How Atherosclerosis Leads to Erectile Dysfunction 

Erectile dysfunction is linked to various chronic diseases, with cardiovascular problems being the most notable. Since blood flow is crucial in erections, diseases like atherosclerosis usually result in erectile issues. This article will discuss what atherosclerosis is, how it interferes with the erectile process, and what you can do to manage both. 

What is Atherosclerosis? 

Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the blood vessels caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner linings of the artery. Plaque is made up of various substances like cholesterol, fats, calcium, and cellular wastes. What causes atherosclerosis is usually an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL is needed in your body to supply cholesterol when it is needed. But too much LDL means that the cholesterol it carries can start sticking to your arterial walls instead. 

When Atherosclerosis Prevents Erection 

Erections are only possible because blood fills the penile vessels, causing the penis to swell and feel hard. If there are issues with your blood flow, you will experience erectile problems. If the atherosclerosis plaque is found in your abdomen, it makes it likelier for you to have erectile dysfunction. This is because blood passes by the abdominal vessels before it reaches your penis. Even if the plaque is in another area, you will still be experiencing issues. 

If the plaque forms on the arteries leading to the heart, you will end up with coronary artery disease (CAD). This can severely damage your heart to the point of heart failure and may even cause angina or chest pain. The heart weakening would mean lesser blood flow. If the plaque is on the arteries leading to the kidneys, you may end up with kidney failure and ED-inducing hormonal imbalance. Also, part of the erectile process is the dilation of the blood vessels. This will be difficult if the vessels are stiff due to the high blood pressure caused by atherosclerosis. 

Dealing with Atherosclerosis and Erectile Dysfunction 

Men can effectively manage both atherosclerosis and erectile dysfunction through strategic medical intervention and lifestyle changes. Here is our quick guide on how you can turn your cardiovascular health around so that you can continue enjoying physical intimacy with your partner: 

• Audit Your Life 
  If you are already suspecting atherosclerosis, then it is best to go see a doctor. But for those who are hesitating, we recommend taking a hard look at your current lifestyle. You will be able to assess the likelihood of having atherosclerosis just by checking if you consume foods that are high in unhealthy fats and refined sugar, do not exercise, smoke, and struggle with stress. It is important to be honest with yourself during this process. Ask yourself what kind of life you want to live and how you want your body to be. With a goal centred on your values, you will find it easier to make the necessary changes. 
• Go for a Screening
  The only way to know for sure if you have atherosclerosis is to undergo laboratory testing. Here are some of the tests that your doctor may request for you: 

• Blood tests – Your cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels will typically be checked before proceeding to other tests. 
• Blood pressure comparison – Doctors will measure and compare your blood pressure in your arms and legs. Huge differences are a sign that an area might be suffering from atherosclerosis. 
• Exercise stress test – What will be compared this time is your heart rate when you're at rest versus after you've exercised. Abnormal spikes can be a sign of atherosclerosis. 
• Computerised tomography (CT) – CT scan will be used to check if there are calcium deposits in your heart. The more calcium is detected, the bigger the risk of heart disease. 
• Cardiac catheterisation – Dye is injected into the coronary arteries through a long and thin tube called a catheter. The dye will show artery blockages on imaging tests.

• Pick Medicine with Low ED Risk 
  Once you are diagnosed with atherosclerosis, your doctor will prescribe meds to prevent it from worsening. Anticoagulants and antiplatelets will prevent clotting by thinning the blood. Blood pressure medications like beta-blockers and diuretics may also be prescribed. These blood pressure medications tend to interfere with erectile function. Your doctor may also give cholesterol-lowering medications like statins. While treating atherosclerosis is the priority, with the right medication, you can still have a sex life. 
• Choose Heart-Healthy Fats 
  Saturated fat, which is more abundant in red meat and dairy, has been associated with heart diseases because it increases your bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Just to be safe, it's better to switch to foods that have more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like avocados, walnuts, flax seeds, and olive oil. There are also the much more harmful trans fatty acids found in processed foods, fast foods, and fried foods. You can use an air fryer or opt for other styles of cooking like steaming or boiling. 
• Target Low GI Foods 
  Another culprit of high triglycerides is blood sugar. It's also what leads to type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for both atherosclerosis and erectile dysfunction. While carbs are still a necessary part of your diet, it's better to switch to whole carbs so that you don't cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. Examples of whole carbs are oats, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato, and lentils. You can also keep your glucose consumption low by picking foods that have a low glycaemic index (GI). Glycaemic index gives a score on how much your blood sugar rises two hours after eating. 
• Get Regular Exercise 
  Apart from keeping your muscles strong, exercise is good for your cardiovascular system. Exercise specifically helps keep your arteries wider and more flexible because the heart pushes blood faster during physical exertion. Working out also makes it less likely for plaque to form in your arteries because your body is using up the resources that contribute to it. Apart from promoting good circulation, it also stimulates your testosterone production, which means it's good for preventing erectile dysfunction. Men can also add Kegels in their workout regimen to strengthen their pelvic muscles. 
• Manage Your Stress 
  It's important to regulate your stress to avoid developing chronic diseases. While stress is inevitable and can even be positive, constantly having extreme amounts of cortisol in your body causes several issues. Stress can cause vascular inflammation, hardening your vessels, and lipid oxidation, which contributes to plaque buildup. When it comes to erections, stress can also interfere with the brain signals instructing blood flow to be increased to your penis. You can manage stress through meditation and proper rest. If these are not helping, you might want to talk to a therapist. 
• Quit Smoking 
  Nothing good comes from smoking, so it's better to eliminate it from your life entirely. Tobacco contains carcinogens that can cause men to develop prostate cancer and testicular cancer. It also constricts your blood vessels, which means less blood flow and weaker erections. Apart from hardening your arterial walls, the chemicals in cigarettes also make blood stickier. This means it's easier for fatty deposits to form and clog your arteries. Quitting smoking is easier said than done, but it's possible. Your doctor can help you prevent withdrawal symptoms by gradually lessening your nicotine consumption. 

Can You Reverse Atherosclerosis? 

Reversing atherosclerosis is possible even without medications, according to Harvard, but it would take extreme lifestyle changes. Proof of this is how coronary artery disease patients who experienced prolonged starvation during World War II showed little to no plaque build-ups after an autopsy. This means that dietary changes combined with fasting can be complementary to your medications. However, you can’t fully get rid of the impact of the plaque in the vessels. 

It also becomes harder to reverse atherosclerosis the more severe the build-up is. In this case, surgical procedures may be needed. Doctors may order either a coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass. While there are several types of coronary angioplasty, the gist is that it opens the blood vessels by inserting a balloon or wire mesh. Meanwhile, coronary artery bypass takes veins, usually from the limbs, and grafts them above and below the impacted vessel. This allows the blood to flow around the plaque. 

Conclusion 

Taking care of your health through lifestyle changes can ensure that you stay safe from cardiovascular complications and maintain an excellent quality of life, particularly in the bedroom. But if you’re still experiencing erectile difficulties, you will need to consult not only a cardiologist but also an expert in sexual health. So, if you want to improve your erectile strength on top of treating atherosclerosis, book an appointment with us!