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But some men have an early warning sign that they shouldn’t brush off as a “normal” part of aging, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. It’s erectile dysfunction. Regular, ongoing ED could be a clue to heart disease.
The link between ED and heart disease is strong. Research shows that men in their 40s who develop ED and have no other risk factors for heart disease run an 80 percent risk of developing heart disease within 10 years.
The good news is that treatment can help reverse ED and improve your heart health.
Here’s what you need to know about the ED/heart disease connection, your potential risk and what to do about it.
Heart disease can be hard to spot in its earlier stages. In fact, about 45 percent of heart attacks are “silent” heart attacks. And they’re more likely to strike men than women. But ED is a canary in the coal mine, an early warning signal that should not be ignored.
Yes, ED might be a touchy subject to bring up, but having that conversation with your doctor can put you on the path to improving your ED and your heart health.
Your doctor will screen you for common risk factors for heart disease, especially if you are having other symptoms.
Don’t wait — schedule a visit with your doctor today. By addressing the issues that are causing ED, you’re also improving your heart health.
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