Cardiovascular Disease Treamtent for Men’s Health Conditions in Long Island

Correlation Between ED and CAD

Cardiovascular Disease refers to a constellation of several diseases, including disease of the blood vessels that bring blood to and from the organs and tissues of the body, specifically the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, brain and other critical organs.  If you are experiencing Erectile Dysfunction it is important to seek treatment as this could be a symptom of a more serious heart condition.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Blockages in arteries supplying blood to heart muscle

Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be an early warning sign of heart disease, particularly in young
men with ED ( ie < 50 years old). The theory behind is: tobacco smoking, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high
cholesterol, and/or family history of heart disease can lead to disease (plaque buildup and stiffness) in the arteries throughout a man’s entire body (atherosclerosis), and this includes the small arteries that supply blood to the penis for erections, in addition to the larger arteries that supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries) and brain ( carotid arteries).

Why would ED occur BEFORE other signs of heart disease?

The arteries in the penis are much smaller than the arteries that feed blood to the heart or brain. However, a widely held belief is that plaque build up in arteries occurs evenly throughout the body, without having a specific preference for a particular artery or organ. Therefore, it stands to reason that the smallest of arteries ( arteries in the penis ) will become blocked first !

Penile Ultrasound with Vascular (Color Doppler) Studies Offered by Dr. Peters

This study looks closely at the arteries in the penis that supply blood for erections, and allows Dr. Peters to measure the speed (velocity) of the arterial blood flow in the penis, as well as the size of these arteries (normally between 1-2 mm).  In some cases, plaque can be identified in these penile arteries as well. If any of this is present, then it is possible that these abnormal findings may also be present in the coronary arteries (heart)  as well as the arteries that supply blood to the brain ( carotid).   If blood flowing through a coronary artery is blocked, then a “heart attack” or myocardial infarction (MI) may occur. If blood flowing to the brain is blocked, then a brain attack, or “stroke” may occur. When Dr. Peters detects abnormal findings of the arteries of the penis on ultrasound, particularly in young male patients, he works closely with cardiologists to further evaluate these men to ensure the patient is not at serious risk for heart attack or stroke.   Dr. Peters and an Ultrasound technician perform Penile Ultrasound with Vascular (Color Doppler) studies together in his Men’s Health practice while the patient is fully awake.

To learn more about cardiovascular disease, visit: American Heart Association