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Vascular diseases are those that affect the blood vessels. These diseases
restrict blood flow to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. In cases of
erectile dysfunction (ED), vascular diseases restrict blood flow to the penis.
Vascular diseases may account for a significant number—perhaps as much as 50
to 70 percent—of men who develop ED.
More about vascular disease
Restriction of blood flow can occur because of a buildup of cholesterol and
other substances that may block blood vessels. It also is known that blood
vessels open more widely (relax) or close down to become narrower (constrict),
possibly due to signals from cells called endothelial cells that are located
inside the lining of these blood vessels. These signals can result in the
restriction of blood flow to certain organs even without the vessels’
necessarily being clogged by any material. When endothelial function is
impaired, constriction that is similar to plugged blood vessels may result. This
could be one explanation why ED is so commonly associated with vascular disease.
Conditions associated with vascular disease
The following conditions are associated with vascular disease:
- Coronary artery disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Peripheral Vascular Disease—This disease particularly
affects blood vessels that supply blood to the lower extremities
Factors in vascular disease
The following conditions make vascular disease worse and likely contribute to
ED:
- High cholesterol
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity
What is venous leak?
If the veins in the penis cannot prevent blood from leaving the penis during
an erection, an erection cannot be maintained. This condition is known as a venous
leak. Venous leakage may occur with vascular disease, but it also can
occur as a result of poor smooth muscle relaxation of the penis. Difficulty with
smooth muscle relaxation of the penis can occur with diabetes or with Peyronie’s
Disease, a condition that results in the build-up of scar tissue of the
sheath surrounding the erection tissue. Venous leak also can occur when
neurological diseases or high levels of anxiety are present because these
conditions can prevent adequate smooth muscle relaxation.
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