Erectile dysfunction is one of the most prevalent issues for men, and it has major consequences for the quality of life. Yet, causes of ED can be quite wide-ranging, with one of the most common pathogens being heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is particularly common in heart-ill men because blood vessels and nerves are damaged. It’s why the management of ED in men with a heart disease requires this kind of approach to address both conditions. In this article, we will discuss the most safe and effective ED options for men with a heart condition.
Oral Medications
The most commonly used medications for ED in men with heart disease are oral drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications operate by boosting blood supply to the penis and producing an erection. The most widely used PDE5 inhibitors include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). Such medications are considered safe and effective in men with heart disease, so long as they’re not used in conjunction with nitrates, commonly used for conditions of the heart like angina. When taken together, nitrates and PDE5 inhibitors will both lead to a potentially fatal drop in blood pressure.
But men with very serious heart disease, especially those who have recently suffered a heart attack or stroke, may not be able to use PDE5 inhibitors for fear of harm. Therefore, men with heart problems should seek the advice of their physician prior to using an oral ED medication.
Vacuum Devices
The cure for ED (erectile dysfunction) is a non-invasive, drug-free process called vacuum machines or vacuum constrictors. These machines create a vacuum around the penis, allowing blood to penetrate the floppy fleshy flesh of the penis and produce an erection. Vacuums are effective both alone and in conjunction with ED medication.
Vacuum machines are beneficial for heart-diseased men because they don’t raise heartrate or blood pressure, making them less dangerous than pills. Additionally, vacuums can be implanted in men who are unable to take ED medications due to other illnesses or medication interactions.
Penile Implants
Penile implants are one such option. A penile implant is an artificial device implanted in the penis that enables men to have and keep an erection. There are generally two types of penile implants: inflatable and semi-rigid. Inflatable implants include a pump inserted in the scrotum that pumps the implant in or out depending on your need. Semi-rigid implants, however, are always rigid and can be manually moved into a variety of configurations.
Penile implants are generally harmless to heart-ill men since they don’t involve drugs or other substances that may interact with heart medications or cause heart problems. Still, it’s still advisable for men with heart problems to discuss this option with their physician to make sure that they are an ideal candidate for the operation.
Lifestyle Changes
It is also possible to manage ED in men with heart conditions through lifestyle adjustments. Lifestyle interventions to improve ED include:
1. Exercise regularly
The most ideal lifestyle change a man can adopt is to begin working out on a regular basis. It helps to regulate your blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart that is essential to fighting ED. You should have 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. These would include walking, cycling and swimming- all exercise that helps to improve circulation and cardiac function, which can lessen ED symptoms.
2. Healthy Diet
Healthy eating is essential to sexual wellness. Healthy eating balances out general health, which is directly connected to erectile function. Healthy eating is maintained by a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Fats and fibre are joined by foods rich in antioxidants that help keep your heart healthy. Including this kind of nutritious foods in your diet could lead to not only better erectile function, but also better mood and energy.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease because it causes severe damage to the blood vessels and reduces the blood flow. Stopping smoking can save the life of ED-affected men. You can take everything from support groups to nicotine replacement therapies to quit smoking. You will be cured of some of the ED symptoms from quitting tobacco.
4. Avoid Alcohol consumption
Where moderate alcohol use may not pose serious harms, excess drinking can create issues, including ED. Alcohol can impair the nervous system and incapacitate your ability to get a erection or even to keep an erected state going. It is therefore proper that you limit the consumption of alcohol. As it’s sometimes not obvious what moderation involves, seeking out a healthcare professional might give individual guidance.
5. Practice Effective Stress Management
Stress and anxiety are also some of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction. Stress will interfere with brain-to-body signals that will affect sexual performance. You have to know how to control your stress. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and even a little bit of outdoor exercise are proven to be extremely effective in calming the brain and purging away the clouds of stress. Sloppy conditions will help you create an environment conducive to sexual health.
Conclusion
In short, the treatment for ED in heart diseased men varies widely depending on the level of the heart disease and an individual’s general health. For men with heart disease, the most common drugs for ED are PDE5 inhibitors or oral drugs. These medications don’t work for every man; alternative remedies, like vacuums or penile implants, might be required. A number of factors contribute to the prevention of ED in men with heart disease, including lifestyle adjustments, psychotherapy, and counselling. Men with a heart condition should first check with their physician before starting any ED therapy to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective. When ED is treated well, life for men with a heart disease can improve.
