High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a chronic health condition that potentiates the chances of heart disease. Mostly, a condition like high blood pressure is not indicated easily, as it does not produce any significant symptoms.
A male sexual disorder like erectile dysfunction (ED) is usually an early indicator of heart disease. According to some research, those having high blood pressure are twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction than those with normal blood pressure.
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a life-long health condition that is characterized by an increase in the pressure in the blood vessels. Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood flow on the delicate walls of the blood vessels.
When the blood pressure remains consistently high for a prolonged time, then this might contribute to the damage of blood vessels. Vascular damage contributes to heart diseases. Timely treatment can reduce the risk of heart disease and vascular health damage.
How does erectile dysfunction happen?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a sexual difficulty in males that stems from a lack of sufficient blood flow to the penile. It is quite a common type of problem in men.
The reasons for poor blood flow to the penile can be some physical health conditions, mental health conditions, smoking, alcohol intoxication, or it could be side effects of some medicines.
Erection difficulties can be overcome with the help of prescription or non-prescription ED medicines. Non-prescription medicines such as Malegra 100 can alleviate erection difficulties. They enhance the blood flow through the penile blood vessels by causing vasodilation.
Can high blood pressure lead to ED?
Yes, high blood pressure is a contributor to erectile dysfunction. It is a chronic illness that gradually affects the health and functioning of the blood vessels. For a healthy erectile response, the health of the penile blood vessels is essential.
When the blood vessels get damaged because of high blood pressure, the blood supply to the penile gets reduced. This happens because of the narrowing of the blood vessels.
Given below are ways in which high blood pressure can trigger erection problems in men:
Deterioration of vascular function
When the blood is flowing throughout the body with high pressure, it injures the delicate walls of the arteries. This affects the blood vessels of the entire body including those in the penile region.
The damage can cause the impairment of vascular function in the penile, thereby leading to erection problems. The blood flow to the penile gets hindered, which is why men struggle to get or sustain firmer erections.
Nerve damage
As the blood flow with high pressure, the walls of the blood vessels get damaged. Since the nerves are present on the walls of the blood vessels, they too get damaged as a result. This leads to the hindrance of signal transmission, leading to impairment of erection function.
Atherosclerosis
High blood pressure is the primary contributor to atherosclerosis, which is a condition characterized by plaque formation in the blood vessels. The build-up of plaque clogs the blood vessels and blocks the flow of blood through them.
The plaque thus accumulation inside the passages makes the blood vessels turn hard. It constricts the blood vessels. When plaque accumulation happens in the penile blood vessels, the blood supply to the penile gets blocked. Lack of blood supply gives rise to impotence issues.
Psychological factors
Individuals with high blood pressure are more susceptible to psychological conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, etc. Such factors interrupt sexual function by interfering with arousal and intimacy.
Medications
Some medications used for managing high blood pressure might give rise to erectile dysfunction. Impotence issues can be a side effect of such medicines. Not all medicines used to control the blood pressure spikes lead to erectile dysfunction.
Certain medicines that belong under the category of drugs such as diuretics, also called water pills, and beta-blockers might potentiate the risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
Ways to manage blood pressure spikes
Lifestyle changes
Some positive lifestyle choices like dietary changes, exercise, and giving up smoking and alcohol, can prevent blood pressure fluctuations and the risk of heart disease.
Reduce sodium intake
Sodium causes water retention in the body, which can unnecessarily increase the blood volume. The heart will have to work extra hard to push the blood through the blood vessels with high pressure, potentiating vascular and heart damage.
Take medication
A chronic illness like hypertension requires timely treatment, otherwise, it might severely damage the blood vessels and the heart.
Manage stress
Learn to manage stress by doing some meditation or leisure activities. Chronic stress can cause a rise in blood pressure.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is crucial. During sleep, the blood pressure comes down. Lack of adequate sleep can contribute to persistently high blood pressure.