Linking Endothelial Dysfunction and Erectile Dysfunction

For those males who have what are called risk factors for cardiovascular problems or illnesses (these are issues involving the heart and its arteries) it can be very important to understand why something like erectile dysfunction will also be -- for the most part -- linked to something called endothelial dysfunction.

In this type of dysfunction (endothelial) the cells that line the inner portions of all blood vessels, including arteries and veins, as well as the innermost lining of the heart, are what cardiovascular specialists call "compromised." This sort of dysfunction is believed by scientists to be a key step on the way to a male developing atherosclerosis, or "hardening" of the arteries.

This compromise prevents arteries from widening (dilating) fully enough during physical effort -- including sex -- which can lead to potentially serious medical complications due to lack of blood flow and subsequent lack of oxygen to the heart and other parts of the body, including the penis. This condition, in which the penis is affected, is called ED or erectile dysfunction.

In many cases erectile dysfunction is diagnosed through questioning by a physician and other specialists. Because of this endothelial compromise is not normally psychological in character, however many males will feel inadequate for reasons normally completely beyond their control. Actually, when physicians see a male patient complaining of ED, they will usually begin to suspect endothelial dysfunction as an issue.

The reasons for why endothelial dysfunction causes a lack of an ability to attain and then maintain penile erection mostly involve chemical actions revolving around a substance known as nitric oxide. Abbreviated NO, the lack of this crucial chemical has led more than one man to mistakenly blame himself or his significant other for inability to experience direction.