Is There a Link between Erectile Dysfunction and Coronary Artery Disease?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to reach or maintain erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Evidence is accumulating to consider ED as a vascular problem. Common risk factors for atherosclerosis are frequently found in ED and ED is frequently found in vascular syndromes such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease and diabetes. Finally, a similar pathogenic involvement of NO-pathway leading to impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and late structural vascular abnormalities is shared by ED and vascular disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]