Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
It’s common for men over 60 to have difficulty
maintaining erections. Two studies, one from Italy and one from
the US, show that men who are impotent before that age are at
significantly increased risk for heart attacks (JAMA, December
21, 2005; Journal of the American College of Cardiology,
October 18, 2005.)
The most common causes of impotence
are arteriosclerosis and diabetes. Less common causes include
low levels of the male hormone, testosterone, or a brain tumor.
So every man who is impotent before age 60 should check with
his doctor and get blood tests for arteriosclerosis and diabetes.
The tests should include cholesterol, homocysteine, Lipoprotein
A, C-reactive protein and HBA1C. They also should get blood
tests for testosterone and prolactin, the test for a brain tumor.
Since most impotent men will have arteriosclerosis or
diabetes, they may need to take appropriate medications, but
they certainly should be exercising and follow a heart-attack-
preventing diet. Heart-healthy diet and More on impotence.
January 8, 2006