Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and risk of erectile dysfunction : a brief narrative review of the literature

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 disease and its risk factors such as diabetes or cholesterol levels. Most of studies which have taken into account in the analysis of the relation between ED and hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and risk of ED the role of 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.