title: Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and risk of erectile dysfunction: a brief narrative review of the literature.
abstract: In this narrative review we have briefly revised the main epidemiological evidences on the relation between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. There are consistent epidemiological evidences which link ED and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or cholesterol levels. Most of studies which have taken into account in the analysis of the relation between ED and hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, smoking and weight (or body mass index) have shown that these factors have an independent role on the risk of ED. Otherwise, ED is a risk factor for subsequent development of cardiovascular diseases. In the routine clinical practice the presence of ED should be considered a "marker" for the development of cardiovascular diseases. The physician should consider to ask each patient regarding the presence of ED in order to focus preventive measures.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Mangiagalli, Università degli Studi di Milano e Fondazione Policlinico-Mangiagalli-Regina Elena, Milano, Italy. Fabio.parazzini@unimi.it
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Parazzini
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ricci
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chiaffarino
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trinchieri
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects