A recent British Medical Journal article reveals the link between high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction and encourages recurrent ED sufferers to overcome their embarrassment and visit their GP's.

A recent article by Urologist Dr. Geoffrey Hackett in the British Medical Journal explains how erectile dysfunction (ED), otherwise known as impotence and hypertension (or high blood pressure) can be connected. Erectile dysfunction can have a range of possible causes both psychological and physical in nature and through appropriate checks the GP can identify which of these two areas is causing the problem.

Some of the physical causes of ED can be quite severe in nature therefore it's quite important that men who suffer from reoccurring erectile dysfunction bite the bullet and go to visit their doctor. It is normal to feel embarrassed about impotence but talking to your doctor in confidence about the issue cannot only improve your sex life, it can help to identify or prevent any potential illnesses.

Dr Hackett has even gone as far as stating that 'erectile dysfunction is an early warning for heart attacks 2-3 years before one occurs'. In his article he explains that, on the physical side, erectile dysfunction can be due to the fact that the arteries supplying the penis have been damaged. If the penile arteries are damaged and narrowed then it is highly likely that the arteries around the heart are also in the same condition, which can have serious consequences including high risk of heart attacks. Having high blood pressure can cause this damage to the arteries which cause them to become thicker, reducing the inner capacity of the arteries restricting the blood flow and adding strain to the artery walls.

The Birmingham based Urologist also points out that ED is associated with 50% higher risk of having heart disease which is roughly the same risk as having a family history of heart problems or moderate smoking.

High blood pressure (Hypertension) rarely shows itself and is therefore known as the 'Silent Killer'. It can have many negative effects on the body and is linked to diseases of the heart, heart attacks and stroke amongst other very serious conditions. Few people are given warnings about their high blood pressure before something serious happens, so recurrent erectile dysfunction sufferers really should take notice of the physical warning signs that are being presented to them. Visiting the GP about the problem will not only be the first step toward improving their physical ability to maintain an erection, it could help to prevent any future potentially life threatening illnesses or emergency situation.

Having your blood pressure taken is easy. The GP or nurse will use a device called a sphygmomanometer or as the digital sphygmomanometers are more commonly known; a blood pressure monitors. Some people may prefer to monitor their blood pressure in the comfort and privacy of their own homes and this is often recommended in order for accurate measurements to be taken when the patient is calm and relaxed.

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