| Is There a Connection between High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction? |
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Erectile Dysfunction and Hypertension- Their Relation The primary cause of erection is the dilation of blood vessels in the penis. Release of the hormone testosterone in the blood sends a signal to heart. This chemical signal prompts the heart to pump more blood in to the blood vessels. The increased blood supply exerts pressure on blood vessels located on the outside (which drain blood out of the penis). As a result of this, there occurs stiffness which is otherwise known as erection. Hypertension can cause erectile dysfunction by obstructing the dilation of blood vessels which carry blood vessels to the penis. Further, hypertension also hampers the ability of the smooth muscles in the penis to relax after an erection. The cumulative effect of this is a person's inability to get a fully functional erection. Can Treatment Of Hypertension Treat Erectile Dysfunction? There is no definite answer to the above question. Researches have indicated that treatment of hypertension can also be a cause of erectile dysfunction. Beta blockers are one of the most common medications prescribed for treating hypertension. However, what is not fully known about them is that they can reduce the impulses of nerves that result in to erection. Moreover, it has been observed that diuretics, which are also one of the most commonly prescribed medications for hypertension can decrease the supply of blood flowing to the penis. Apart from that, it has been observed that the production of zinc in the body is affected by their intake. Decreased production of zinc, then, results in lower testosterone levels. So How Can Erectile Dysfunction Resulting From Hypertension Be Treated? The only way to treat erectile dysfunction resulting from hypertension is by treating the underlying cause of hypertension. Hypertension can be a result of factors such as: * Increased consumption of salt * Lack of exercise * Habits such as smoking Hence, to curb hypertension, it is essential to curb these underlying causes of hypertension. Individuals need to cut down on the amount of salt which they consume daily. They further need to give up bad habits such as smoking. Any further cause of hypertension can be known through a proper diagnosis. Your physician might instruct you on remedial measures in those cases. |