Cardiologist tells men 'common' problem 'could be heart disease sign'

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Dr Francesco Lo Monaco said people should not feel embarrassed and should get medical advice

A cardiologist has told men that a common issue could in fact be a red flag of heart disease.

Men who experience ongoing problems getting or maintaining an erection may be overlooking a warning sign about their heart health, he warned. Erectile dysfunction is common and can have several causes, including stress, tiredness, anxiety and medication. But when problems keep happening, they can sometimes be linked to conditions affecting blood vessels, including high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and diabetes. Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, Harley Street-based cardiologist and founder of the National Longevity Clinic, said men should not feel embarrassed about seeking advice - particularly when erection problems are persistent or unexplained.

“An erection depends on healthy blood flow. If the blood vessels are not functioning as they should, it can affect erectile function,” he said. “Erectile dysfunction does not automatically mean somebody has heart disease. But in some men, it can be an early sign of vascular problems, which is why it is worth looking beyond the symptom itself.”

The blood vessels supplying the penis are relatively small, meaning changes in circulation can sometimes become noticeable there before cardiovascular symptoms develop elsewhere. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease also share risk factors, including high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and inactivity.

Dr Francesco explained: “Men can feel perfectly well and still have high blood pressure or cholesterol. These conditions can develop without obvious symptoms. If erectile problems are persistent, it is an opportunity to check whether there are other risk factors that need attention.”

Dr Francesco said men experiencing ongoing erection problems should speak to their GP or an appropriate healthcare professional. Depending on their symptoms and medical history, checks may include:

High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can damage blood vessels over time.

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