Kirby M, Jackson G, Simonsen U
Hertfordshire Primary Care Research Network, The Surgery, Nevells Road, Letchworth, Herts SG6 4TS, UK.
Int J Clin Pract. 2005 Feb;59(2):225-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2005.00453.x.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD) overlap in risk factors, aetiology and clinical outcomes. It has become clear that ED is an important marker of vascular disease throughout the arterial tree--including CAD, stroke and diabetes. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a close association between ED and vascular disease. The shared aetiological factor is endothelial dysfunction. The fact that ED tends to precede the onset of symptoms of other vascular diseases--because blood vessels in the penis are narrower in diameter than elsewhere in the body so blood flow is restricted sooner by atherosclerosis--means that it can be used as a 'window' on vascular health. There is growing evidence that patients presenting with ED should be investigated for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including diabetes, even if they have no symptoms. Early detection could facilitate prompt intervention and a reduction in long-term complications. Treatments that reduce endothelial dysfunction offer the potential of improving the functioning of the entire vascular system, improving outcomes in CVD and diabetes, as well as providing effective treatment for ED.
勃起功能障碍（ED）与冠状动脉疾病（CAD）在危险因素、病因和临床结局方面存在重叠。很明显，ED是整个动脉系统血管疾病的重要标志物，包括CAD、中风和糖尿病。流行病学研究表明ED与血管疾病之间存在密切关联。共同的病因因素是内皮功能障碍。由于阴茎中的血管直径比身体其他部位的血管窄，所以动脉粥样硬化会更快地限制血流，这意味着ED往往先于其他血管疾病症状出现，这使得它可作为血管健康的一个“窗口”。越来越多的证据表明，即使没有症状，出现ED的患者也应接受包括糖尿病在内的心血管疾病（CVD）检查。早期检测有助于及时干预并减少长期并发症。减少内皮功能障碍的治疗方法有可能改善整个血管系统的功能，改善CVD和糖尿病的结局，并为ED提供有效治疗。
