Exploring the Intersection of Erectile Dysfunction and Peripheral Arterial Disease

As the body is one interconnected machine of its own, comorbidities in terms of physical conditions are, at times, unavoidable.

No matter where in the body you experience illness or disease, surrounding areas are likely to feel the resounding impacts of such developments and symptoms — and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is no exception.

For example, male patients may find they have erectile dysfunction in addition to PAD. Here’s what you need to know:

The Ins-and-Outs of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, also referred to as ED, reportedly affects more than 150 million men worldwide, according to a study published in 2020.

This condition is defined as the challenge for a man to get and/or keep his penis firm throughout sexual intercourse, the likes of which may be the result of either physical or psychological challenges.

ED may also occur as a result of plaque build-up within one’s blood vessels. In particular, high cholesterol — as well as frequent use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco — may increase one’s risk factor for ED.

“All three of these substances can damage a person’s blood vessels and/or restrict blood flow to the penis, causing ED,” as explained by Cleveland Clinic. “Smoking, in particular, plays a large role in causing ED in people with atherosclerosis.”

Translating ED to PAD

As atherosclerosis (or vascular plaque build-up) gradually stagnates the efficient flow of blood to the heart and penis, ED may actually be a warning that the individual in question may be at risk for developing PAD or have a case of PAD that has thus far been asymptomatic.

“Among men referred for stress testing, ED is an independent predictor of occult PAD as determined by screening ABI testing, and increasing severity of ED is associated with increasing prevalence of PAD,” according to a study published by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Specifically, we highly recommend you consult your physician if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction in addition to:

• Leg tingling and/or numbness
• Leg pain
• Skin and/or toenail discoloration
• Wounds that don’t heal
• Swollen ankles
• And more

Vascular and Sexual Solutions Found in One Place

In short, men with erectile dysfunction have largely been found to have an increased likelihood of developing PAD in comparison to those who do not have erectile dysfunction.

Thankfully, this means by honing in on the underlying vascular condition, you may effectively treat both at once.

That’s why Dr. Dippel and his team at Vascular Institute of the Midwest offer industry-leading care in a comfortable outpatient setting. By providing individualized care to those patients who are suffering the symptoms of PAD or any other vascular disease, they effectively ensure that they can prevent limb amputation, reduce the burden of erectile dysfunction, and restore the patient’s overall comfort.

So, are you ready for state-of-the-art solutions?

If you’re ready to learn more or schedule your FREE vascular screening today, contact the Vascular Institute of the Midwest by calling 563-324-3818!