Endothelial dysfunction as a common link between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often not considered in the same context as such traditional cardiovascular conditions as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or ischemic heart disease. The detection of ED might be one of the most powerful tools to help manage cardiovascular disease in men. Clinical research suggests that the penile vascular bed is a sensitive indicator of early systemic endothelial cell or smooth muscle dysfunction. ED could be one of the initial signs of oxidative stress that occurs before the development of the structural, occlusive cardiovascular disease. ED is becoming a barometer of overall global cardiovascular risk and should be viewed in this context rather than as “just a problem with the penis.” Asking men about ED as part of the review of systems is an effective means of practicing preventive vascular medicine.