Men's Health Study: epidemiology of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.

The present study collected data about 6,112 Japanese male patients from 447 outpatient clinics. Of those who underwent medical examination by a general practitioner on an outpatient basis, up to 81% had some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED), ranging from mild to severe. ED was noted to be predominant among patients affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes mellitus (DM), and the presence of CVD increased the risk of ED. In an aging society, patients undergoing treatment for ED as part of their routine medical care are highly likely to have concomitant CVD. As shown in the present survey, clinicians need to be aware of the high incidence of ED among such patients, because ED represents a symptom originating from damage to the vascular endothelium. A total of 41% of ED patients are either willing to receive pharmacotherapy for ED or will consider treatment. Active treatment of ED with sildenafil is suitable for patients with CVD.