The link between ED and Hyperlpidaemia

Hyperlipidaemia is a medical term for too much fat in the blood. This condition is more common in men than women. Sedentary life style, diet rich in saturated fats and cholesterol, and associated medical conditions (e.g. diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, hypothyroidism, alcoholism, obstructive liver disease) are some of the predisposing factors for this condition.

In men, hyperlipidaemia could be a marker of erectile dysfunction (ED). By definition, ED or impotence, as it is usually called, is the persistent inability to get or maintain an erection to ensure satisfactory sex for both partners. ED occurs when a physical or psychological factor, or both, disrupts the process by which blood flows to the penis to produce and sustain an erection. Diseases (e.g. diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism, atherosclerosis) account for as many as 70% of chronic ED cases and psychological factors (e.g. stress, anxiety, depression) may account for 10-20% of cases.

The connection

The link between hyperlipidaemia and men suffering from ED is the major risk of developing arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a vascular disease that can lead to narrow, hardened arteries so that there is insufficient blood flow to satisfy the needs of the tissue in question. It can result in impotence and in men suffering from hyperlipidaemia, abnormal cholesterol levels can cause formation and accumulation of plaque deposits in the arteries.

Plaque is composed of cholesterol and other fatty substances, fibrous tissue, and calcium. When it builds up in the arteries, it results in atherosclerosis, or coronary heart disease. Atherosclerosis can lead to plaque ruptures and blockages in the arteries, which increase the risk for heart attack, stroke, circulation problems, and death.

Diagnosis

Hyperlipidaemia can go unnoticed for many years, as it usually does not show any symptoms. It can, however, be diagnosed precisely under a laboratory test. Unfortunately there is no cure for hyperlipidaemia and its treatment is life-long.

For ED, medical practitioners are able to diagnose and evaluate the problem by a thorough medical assessment through blood tests and by performing complete physical examination. This makes sure that a patient has ED and not another form of sexual dysfunction.

Tailored solutions

The good news is that a variety of options exist today that can help men with ED. These include medications and simple mechanical devices to surgery and psychological counselling. The cause and severity of a patient’s condition are important factors in determining the best treatment or combination of treatments.

The most popular and widely used ED treatments are oral medications. They are prescription pills. It is important to remember that these pills only help in getting and keeping an erection with sexual stimulation.

The three oral medications available are Tadalafil (Cialis), Sildenafil (Viagra), and Vardenafil (Levitra). These three pills work in much the same way. Chemically known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors, these drugs enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical messenger that relaxes smooth muscles in the penis.

This increases the amount of blood and allows a natural sequence to occur–an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

Viagra is a potent oral medication (drug) that is able to markedly improve sexual activity in over 80% of men with ED. In clinical studies, Levitra has also been shown to work quickly.

Cialis is a new line of treatment for erection problems. Test results showed that out of 700 participants using Cialis, at least 84% experienced improvement with their erections. This new, longer-lasting, fast-acting erection pill has advantages over its rivals because it works in much the same way as Viagra and Levitra, but for a longer period–up to 36 hours. Therefore, it removes pressure to perform immediately after taking the medicine, and allows for more spontaneous and natural love making. In the process, it also reduces performance anxiety in a man by allowing him the window period of 24-36hrs.

Conclusion

The close link between ED and hyperlipidaemia leads to the fact that men should try and modify their lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, heavy consumption of alcohol, and lack of exercise, as they can affect their cardiovascular function and are associated with an increased risk of ED. It is also important for doctors to routinely and sensitively ask about ED even in patients as young as 40 because the condition may be a sign of previously undetected vascular disease