Impotence may be sign a heart attack is on the way

IMPOTENCE in older men could be a warning sign of an impending heart attack or stroke, doctors have warned.

A study found those with the problem were nearly twice as likely to suffer ‘cardiovascular events’.

Researchers looked at 1,900 men aged between 60 and 78. They found that 115 suffered heart attacks, cardiac arrests or strokes. Of those, 6.3 per cent suffered from erectile dysfunction compared to 2.6 per cent who did not.

Dr Michael Blaha, of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, said: ‘Our results reveal that erectile dysfunction is, in and of itself, a potent predictor of cardiovascular risk.

‘Our findings suggest clinicians should perform further targeted screening in men with erectile dysfunction, regardless of other cardiac risk factors.’

Professor Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘If you’re experiencing problems with erectile dysfunction, book an appointment with your doctor as they will be able to examine you to try to establish the cause.’

The research was published in the journal Circulation.