The researchers discovered the connection between ED and heart failure

German researchers say that they have completed a study which shows that erectile dysfunction is a strong predictor of death by heart disease.

The team, from the University of Saarland, examined data from 1,519 men in 13 different countries who took part in double-blind trials of two medications to treat heart disease. They discovered that in men who have heart disease as well as erectile dysfunction, the risk of them dying from a major heart event such as a heart attack almost doubled.

In two trials the men, who already had a history of heart problems, were given either one of two different heart medications or a placebo. The men completed questionnaires when they joined the study and there were follow up questionnaires after two years and five years.

They were questioned about their erectile dysfunction, so that the scientists could categorise them as having either mild, moderate or severe erectile problems.

After analysing the results, the researchers discovered that the men who reported erectile dysfunction were considerably more likely to suffer from a severe heart event. They were 1.2 times more likely to end up in hospital with heart failure, 1.1 more times likely to have a stroke and 1.9 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

Scientists have long been aware that erectile dysfunction is frequently linked to heart problems and older men visiting their doctor in order to seek medication to treat impotence, such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra, are usually monitored more strictly to check the health of their heart.

The boom in sales of illegal and counterfeit Viagra, Cialis and Levitra on the internet has lead to fears that with many men bypassing legitimate medical providers, they are not receiving the proper advice on good heart health.

When men buy any branded erectile dysfunction medication, the pills come with recommendations from the manufacturer to visit their GP for a full check up but many are unaware that erectile dysfunction can be an early indicator of an underlying problem.

Lead researcher for the study Michael Bohn warned that many men visit their doctor for medication but never return for a check up.

He said, “The medication works and the patient doesn't show up anymore. These men are being treated for the erectile dysfunction, but not the underlying cardiovascular disease. A whole segment of men is being placed at risk."

An expert in cardiovascular medicine and erectile dysfunction, Professor Michael Kirby, added “This provides very good evidence to support a campaign to persuade doctors to ask about erectile dysfunction as part of routine cardiovascular assessment."