Sexual dysfunction signals hidden heart disease risk in both men and women
Researchers say erectile dysfunction and female sexual arousal disorder should be treated as early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, not separate issues. Doctors and insurers should use sexual health screening as part of routine heart risk assessment—a shift that could reshape clinical protocols and preventive care strategies.
Originaltitel: Erectile and Clitoral Dysfunction as Harbingers of Cardiovascular Disease: A Perspective
Sexual dysfunction (SD), more specifically vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) in women, is increasingly recognized as a marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). While extensive literature documents vasculogenic ED as an early warning sign of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other atherosclerotic manifestations, the evidence for analogous phenomena in women is emerging but less mature. This perspective explores epidemiologic associations, shared pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical implications, and screening paradigms for ED and FSAD as cardiovascular (CV) risk-enhancing conditions. This perspective endorses that clinicians should incorporate genital vasculogenic SD into CV risk stratification and that multidisciplinary care (primary care, cardiology, urology/gynecology) is warranted. A summary table outlines key features and actionable steps.