Symptoms of depression in men with erectile dysfunction increase the risk of heart disease, the latest study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found.
Symptoms of depression are often associated with erectile dysfunction. This combination results in an increased risk of heart disease and death. In addition, researchers led by Elisa Bandini from the University of Florence studied nearly 2000 male patients from a clinic treating sexual dysfunction to investigate the clinical relationship. They used the method of an organized interview, during which they also caught symptoms of depression, informs the EurekAlert website.
Research shows that erectile dysfunction combined with depression increases cardiovascular problems independent of other risk factors. Moreover, even taking antidepressants will not change the relationship between severe symptoms of depression and ailments of the circulatory system.
Recognizing the symptoms of depression in a patient with erectile dysfunction is necessary not only to improve his sex life, but also to prevent heart disease, Bandini said.
Important in this research is the broader concept of a sexual and medical problem that concerns not only the bedroom, but also the mental mood of a man and the health of his circulatory system. This is an important reason for women to encourage their partners to treat their disorders, said Irwin Goldstein, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Sexual Medicine and director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego. (PAP)