title: Cardiovascular aspects of sexual medicine.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common and considered to be predominantly of vascular origin.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the link between ED and coronary artery disease (CAD) and provide a consensus report regarding evaluation and management.
  
  
  METHODS
  A committee of eight experts from six countries was convened to review the worldwide literature concerning ED and CAD and provide a guideline for management.
  
  
  METHODS
  Expert opinion was based on grading the evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ED and CAD frequently coexist. Between 50-70% of men with CAD have ED. ED can arise before CAD is symptomatic with a time window of 3-5 years. ED and CAD share the same risk factors, and endothelial dysfunction is the common denominator. Treating ED in cardiac patients is safe, provided that their risks are properly evaluated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ED is a marker for silent CAD that needs to be excluded. Men with CAD frequently have ED that can be treated safely following guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Guy's & St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Trust, Cardiology, London, UK. gjcardiol@talk21.com
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Piero
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Montorsi
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Tarek
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Anis
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: El-Sakka
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miner
authors.forename: Charalambos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vlachopoulos
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D015897:Comorbidity; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000150:complications; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000150:complications; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D044347:Sexology / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014572:Urology / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards