ED and your heart: why the bedroom can be an early warning
What kills more Americans than cancer? Heart disease. In 2024, heart disease killed more Americans than cancer, and it has been the number one killer in this country for decades. Dr. Dev Mally of Advanced Urology explains a connection most men haven’t heard about.
Questions in this guide
- What does ED have to do with the heart?
- So does ED mean I have heart disease?
- What will a urologist do differently?
- What’s the takeaway?
What does ED have to do with the heart?
Erections depend on healthy blood flow. The arteries in the penis are much smaller than the ones around the heart, so when plaque starts to build up, those smaller arteries can show it first. Research shows erectile dysfunction can appear two to five years before a heart attack or another major cardiac event.
So does ED mean I have heart disease?
Not necessarily. Not every case of ED is a heart problem. It does mean ED deserves a real evaluation, not just a pill shipped to your door.
What will a urologist do differently?
At Advanced Urology, our urologists look for the cause rather than treating the symptom alone. If your risk factors point to your heart, we help you get to your primary care doctor or a cardiologist for the next step.
What’s the takeaway?
Think of ED as your body’s check-engine light. Don’t ignore it.
How our urologists approach this
Our urologists treat erectile dysfunction as both a quality-of-life concern and a possible clue about blood vessel health. We ask about your heart, blood pressure, diabetes and medicines, and we may suggest you also see your primary care doctor. Advanced Urology offers a full range of ED care, from pills and injections to shockwave therapy and penile implants, and we help you choose what feels right for you.
When to call us
Call us if ED is new or getting worse, or if you’ve stopped a heart or blood pressure medicine on your own. Please don’t stop those medicines without talking to the doctor who prescribed them.
Watch a short video
These Advanced Urology videos go further into ED causes and treatments.
This guide is educational, not medical advice. Every treatment and procedure has risks and benefits; your care team will review yours. More on this topic: Advanced Urology condition page.