You’re having sexual problems in the bedroom
Erectile dysfunction is one of the classic warning signs of heart trouble that you may be at risk for heart disease. Anxiety, depression, and stress can also inhibit your ability to get intimate with your partner, but your bedroom troubles could also stem from blocked arteries in the heart, which prevent blood from flowing properly to your penis.
Vascular erectile dysfunction is the most common type of sexual dysfunction and is often caused by two kinds of diseases—atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. Atherosclerosis causes the arteries to harden and narrow, causing heart attacks and strokes. Endothelial dysfunction prevents your blood vessels from relaxing properly, which decreases blood flow throughout your body.
“Erectile dysfunction symptoms often precede the onset of heart symptoms by at least two years,” says Dr. Michos. “The detection of erectile dysfunction offers a window to intervene and stop cardiac disease in its tracks.” Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and lack of an exercise regime are also risk factors for heart disease.
