Erectile dysfunction: a disease marker for cardiovascular disease.

Previous studies have shown an increased incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both conditions, which may be a consequence of underlying endothelial dysfunction, share many risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, depression, obesity, and cigarette smoking. Because vascular disturbance of the penile endothelium leads to ED, the possibility arises that ED may be an early indicator for systemic endothelial dysfunction and subsequent CVD. Recognizing ED as a disease marker for CVD may help to identify individuals at risk for having a premature cardiovascular event.