Doctors from the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery have warned about an additional risk linked to erectile dysfunction. It could serve as an early marker of peripheral vascular diseases and a precursor to intermittent claudication. This was reported by the publication Terra.
According to experts, erection issues sometimes arise due to reduced blood flow caused by arterial damage. The blood vessels in the penis have a small diameter, so symptoms of insufficient blood supply there appear earlier than signs of problems with blood vessels in the lower limbs.
Medical professionals advise men with erectile dysfunction not only to consult a urologist but also to undergo examinations of the cardiovascular system and peripheral vessels. This can help reduce the risk of further progression of the condition.
Doctors emphasize that erectile dysfunction does not always correlate with vascular diseases. Its causes may include hormonal imbalances, diabetes, neurological syndromes, medication side effects, and a number of other factors.
However, if it is indeed a vascular disorder and remains untreated, it can lead to intermittent claudication—a condition in which severe pain occurs in the calf muscles while walking. Additionally, there may be a feeling of heaviness and swelling in the legs, development of varicose veins, changes in foot color and temperature, and the appearance of long-lasting non-healing wounds.
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