HOW HYPERTENSION & ATHEROSCLEROSIS CAN CAUSE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Hypertension is condition that can contribute in causing erectile dysfunction. Prolonged conditions of high BP can cause symptoms of ED. The hypertensive male of age group between 40-70 years are more prone to develop the symptoms of ED. High blood pressure makes the arteries hard & narrow which ultimately prevents them from dilating. This dilation of arteries disrupts the flow of blood into the penis. High blood pressure can also causes loosening of the smooth muscles of the penis due to which the flow of the blood in the penis decreases from the normal blood flow that is required to make the penis erect properly. Therefore, it is important to maintain normal blood pressure to overcome the symptoms of ED.

 Atherosclerosis is a cardiac condition in which a buildup of “ATHEROMA” (fatty substance) forms in the arteries which causes the narrowing of the arteries. To get a proper erection & even to maintain an erection, the blood flow into the penis should be sufficient but in case of atherosclerosis, collection of fatty substance occurs & the blood flow in the penis decreases which affect the man’s ability to get & maintain an erection properly.

 

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS FOR THE MEN WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?

  Atherosclerosis happens due to a variety of reasons like:

·     HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVELS- high cholesterol level can increases the buildup of fatty substance in the arteries & ultimately develop condition like atherosclerosis.

·    CIGARETTE SMOKING- habitual cigarette smoking can damage the blood vessels; it gradually affects the normal structure & function of the arteries & results in development of condition like atherosclerosis.

·    HYPERTENSION- high blood pressure for a prolonged period of time can affect the structure of arteries & also cause their narrowing.

·    DIABETES MELLITUS- diabetes can cause development of atherosclerosis & also cause progression of the disease in an individual with an existing one.

·    UNDERLYING CONDITION OF OBESITY-the condition of obesity can lead to cause structural & functional changes in the arteries; it can further increase the progression of condition like atherosclerosis in an individual.