Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects as many as 30 million men in the United States. Its risk factors are similar to those for atherosclerotic heart disease. Physicians should ask male patients—particularly those with cardiovascular disease-about ED and men with confirmed ED about cardiovascular risk factors. Oral sildenafil is an effective therapy for both organic and psychogenic ED; it is contraindicated in patients taking organic nitrates.