Erectile dysfunction predicts generalised cardiovascular disease: evidence from a case-control study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether idiopathic erectile dysfunction, in the absence of overt cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors, is associated with vascular or autonomic dysfunction.


METHODS
We studied 49 men with ED (without known cardiovascular risk factors or disease) and 50 age-matched controls, aged 40-70 years. Macrovascular endothelial function was examined by brachial artery ultrasonography and microvascular function by venous occlusion plethysmography. Blood pressure measurement and electrocardiography were performed lying and standing, and the 30:15 RR ratio calculated.


RESULTS
Body mass index, testosterone, fasting lipids and glucose did not differ significantly between groups. Standing pulse pressure was higher (50+/-1mm Hg versus 43+/-2mm Hg, p<0.004) and 30:15 RR ratio lower (0.97+/-0.01 versus 1.01+/-0.01, p<0.02) in the ED group. Flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was not significantly different between groups. Flow debt repayment during forearm reactive hyperaemia was lower in the ED group (7.2+/-0.7 ml versus 9.5+/-0.8 ml per 100ml, p<0.02) than in controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Men with idiopathic ED have evidence of endothelial dysfunction in forearm resistance vessels, increased pulse pressure and impaired heart rate variability. This supports the concept that erectile dysfunction is a predictor of cardiovascular dysfunction and a precursor of clinical cardiovascular disease.
Stuckey
Bronwyn G A
BG
Keogh Institute for Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia. bstuckey@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Walsh
John P
JP
Ching
Helena L
HL
Stuckey
Alexander W
AW
Palmer
Neil R
NR
Thompson
Peter L
PL
Watts
Gerald F
GF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000150:complications*; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010991:Plethysmography; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography