Erectile Dysfunction May Signal Heart Disease Early, Urologist Says
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is inability to get and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity, and it affects roughly 10 percent of men between the ages of 40 to 70. While the causes of erectile dysfunction can vary, it's often linked to underlying physical conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.
"Erectile dysfunction is never a 'normal' part of aging," says Kevin T. McVary, MD-FACS, Director, Clinical Research Office for Loyola University Chicago Health Sciences Campus and Medical Advisory Board Member for Rugiet. "It's not the aging that relates to ED, but rather the time-accumulated burden of ED risk factors. ED is a wake-up call for men."
Despite how common it is among middle-aged men, stigma still surrounds the condition, often preventing open discussion. But it's also one of the few health issues that can act as an early warning sign, giving men a chance to address underlying risks sooner rather than later.
Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease
Erectile dysfunction is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease and may act as an early warning sign of underlying vascular problems that haven't yet caused symptoms, like chest pain. Because of this, ED is often described as a "barometer" of heart health, serving as an early opportunity for primary prevention in at-risk men.
Data from the Boston Area Community Health Survey supports this connection, showing that both temporary and persistent ED are associated with higher cardiovascular risk, especially in men under 50. Notably, this risk was present even after accounting for factors like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity.
"What's this really mean in a practical sense? Even transient ED may mean there may be an important underlying disease in the small blood vessels of the heart and the penis that exposes men to further cardiovascular disease," McVary says.
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Lifestyle Factors Contributing to to Erectile Dysfunction
Results from the aforementioned Boston Area Community Health Survey highlight a strong link between erectile dysfunction and major chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, both of which are heavily influenced by lifestyle. Key modifiable risks include abdominal obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity.
Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain vascular health by promoting protective factors that support both cardiovascular and erectile function, while prolonged inactivity does the opposite. Smoking, on the other hand, is toxic to the key cells in the penis and heart controlling erection.
"You can take agency in your erectile life by modifying those things known to control the natural history of ED," McVary encourages.
How to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
For many men, the first-line approach to treating erectile dysfunction is making practical lifestyle changes. For instance, losing excess weight, quitting smoking tobacco and cannabis, committing to regular physical activity, and adopting a balanced diet can all help move the needle.
"Erectile dysfunction is largely preventable in most cases, and even reversible if you heed the signals," McVary says. "The earlier you self-correct, the greater the chances that those modifications will be effective in improving your sex life."
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 2:02 PM.