(CNN) – Do you know the leading indicator of heart disease in men? It’s a problem at least 30 million men in the United States experience, but most don’t talk about it.
“I would say that erectile dysfunction is the canary in the coal mine. When men begin to have Erectile Dysfunction it’s a sign that there’s more widespread disease and not just for the heart but throughout all the blood vessels in the body,” said Dr. Terry Mason, Cook County Hospitals.
Doctors say Erectile Dysfunction can be an early indicator that plaque is building up, clogging the blood vessels to the heart and other parts of the body.
That’s a sign you need to see your heart doctor before the problem becomes more serious.
Doctors say you should also consider eating better, watching your cholesterol, stop smoking, and start exercising.
Taking drugs for Erectile Dysfunction may solve the initial problem, but doctors say it won’t protect you against the possible underlying issue, heart disease.
