The Penis Is the Window to the Heart

Erectile dysfunction is an early warning sign of coronary artery disease. Problems with the small blood vessels in the penis show up earlier than problems with the larger blood vessels in the heart. Men who have difficulty maintaining erections during intercourse or masturbation have a higher risk of coronary artery disease than men with normal erections. Erectile dysfunction is linked to problems with the cells lining the arteries (endothelial cells), insulin resistance and other markers of blood sugar regulation problems— all of which are risk factors of heart disease. The penis is indeed a window to the heart. (American Journal of Men’s Health, Published online February 4, 2016)