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Cardiologist Nick Gerning clarifies how erectile dysfunction ( ED ) could signal heart related issues. The risk of major cardiac failure could be avoided by monitoring the GP.

"Previous research has made the link between ED and cardiac disease, but, keen to investigate further, I undertook an informal audit of all my cardiac patients.

All the patients I spoke to had been treated for vascular problems. Sixty per cent of the cardiac rehabilitation patients I surveyed had experienced ED between two and five years before 

suffering the major heart events. This showed me erectile dysfunction can clearly be a sentinel sign of a heart problem." said Dr Nick Gerning, consultant cardiologist at the Spire Hospital in Cardiff He has further added, "The penal artery is much smaller than the main cardiac arteries, and therefore is one of the first to become blocked, causing impotence in many men. For that reason, I believe ED should be considered as much of a warning sign for a potential heart attack or stroke as chest pains or obesity."

"There is recent compelling evidence to suggest a link between ED and cardiac problems, but hundreds of men still don’t realise that this is a symptom that may have serious consequences.

"I am embarking on a programme of talks to GPs across Wales to educate them further about the link between ED and cardiac disease.It’s important that GPs understand the link, in order to refer patients on to cardiac specialists, but it’s vital that the public hear this message too."

"Only 10% of ED sufferers actually present themselves to their GP, which we know is just the tip of the iceberg. Men are often embarrassed or unwilling to go to their GP with impotence problems, but if they knew it could be a sign of something more serious, it follows that they would be more likely to see a doctor".

"I believe in a holistic approach to medicine – treating a problem in its entirety – and with research showing up to 80% of men with ED consequently suffer marital problems, there is no reason not to explore other avenues of treating the initial problem, as well as addressing the cardiac issue."

"I am the chair of a Cardiff-based research group of vascular surgeons, physicists and urologists, who are developing this treatment. If we are successful, the results could have a worldwide impact – our progress is already being closely monitored by American pharmaceutical companies". "But despite the exciting opportunities and possibilities the research group presents, I’m still preoccupied by my initial concerns and findings that men and GPs in Wales should recognise ED as a potential symptom of heart disease".

"The message is clear, and I believe the link between the two is very powerful, although there can be other causes of ED. Ultimately, if more men saw their GP when ED presents itself, lives could be saved." Dr Gerning concluded.

Source: WalesOnline