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High Blood Pressure and Impotence

One of the main issues surrounding impotence is high blood pressure. While high Blood pressure doesn't just concern men, its presence can have a particular effect on erectile function.

Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). It's measured in millimetres of mercury. High blood pressure (or hypertension) is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.

High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke, especially when it's present with other risk factors.

High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but it's more common among people over age 35. It's particularly prevalent in middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. People with diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have high blood pressure, too.

High blood pressure leads to hardening of the arteries. The arteries tend to develop thicker walls and become narrower inside, thus reducing the flow of blood through them. In the case of men, if this develops in the arteries travelling to the penis then it will be more difficult for the penis to fill with blood, resulting in impotency

In addition, many medicines used to treat high blood pressure can cause impotence as a side effect, particularly diuretics (water pills) and beta-blockers. High blood pressure is a serious problem that needs to be treated, and it is essential never to stop taking prescribed medication without discussing the matter with your doctor. It is important to mention impotence either prior to taking treatments for high blood pressure, or if impotence develops after you have been given medication for High Blood pressure. Quite often a medication change will be possible to lower side-effect and reduce the possibility of impotence.

Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure and impotence. This is why high blood pressure is often called the "silent killer." The only way to tell if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked.

Read some more of our impotence related articles for further help and advice.

  1. General information on ED
  2. Causes of erectile dysfunction
  3. Dealing with impotence
  4. Psychological causes of impotence