New guidelines at intersection of erectile dysfunction, cardiac health

(PASADENA) - February holds significant importance for matters related to the heart, both romantically and medically. Following the celebration of Valentine's Day, the focus is now on American Heart Month, and some new findings have bridged the gap between these two realms.

A team of specialists, led by Dr. Robert Kloner from the Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI) in Pasadena, explored how erectile dysfunction (ED) relates to heart health. Their findings, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, affirm that medications like Viagra and Cialis, known as PDE-5 inhibitors, are safe for the heart.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and catching it early can save lives. ED can serve as an indicator of underlying heart issues, functioning as a warning sign for men. Kloner said it's crucial to promptly evaluate for heart issues as soon as ED is noticed. It’s an opportunity to identify and address concerns early, potentially averting a future heart attack.

Additional key takeaways from the findings include:

• Individuals at borderline to intermediate risk for cardiovascular events should get a test called coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. This test helps decide if they need further treatment or advice from a heart doctor.
• Patients with ED should be checked to see how likely they are to have heart problems during sexual activity. This involves seeing how well they handle exercise, and they might need a stress test. If they're found to be low-risk and can exercise well, they can be treated for ED.
• If someone is taking nitrates for heart issues, they shouldn't use ED medications because it could be harmful. However, if they are unnecessary, doctors might stop the nitrates so the person can safely use ED medications.
• Caution should be exercised with dietary supplements for ED, as they may contain ingredients similar to ED drugs, which can dangerously interact with certain heart medications like nitrates.
• ED drugs are safe for women's hearts, especially for treating pulmonary hypertension. Further research is needed to see how well they work for women's sexual dysfunction.

These guidelines mark a pivotal step in understanding and addressing the intersection of erectile dysfunction and heart health, potentially leading to better outcomes and an improved quality of life for those impacted.