Regaining Both a Healthy Heart as well as a Healthy Sex Life
In the case of impotence being caused by damaged or clogged penile arteries, it is of the utmost importance to understand that your condition will worsen unless you change your day to day habits. It is true that medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, etc. can help blood more easily flow into the penis and help you achieve and maintain better erections, but unless you take action to prevent further clogging of the penile arteries, the condition will only worsen with time. Corrective action means adopting a healthier lifestyle which will not only help you overcome ED but will also aid you in preventing or controlling heart disease, since heart disease and impotence resulting from deteriorated arteries work the same way.
Similarities between Heart Disease and Clogged Artery Related Impotence
Coronary heart disease and ED are very similar. Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply oxygen and blood to the heart become filled with plaque. This plaque made up of cholesterol, fat and other undesirable substances builds up and thereby narrows and hardens the inner walls of the arteries. When this occurs, blood flow is reduced and in the case of the heart, if plaque filled with cholesterol bursts and is released into the blood stream it may form blood clots that may block the flow of oxygen, nutrients and blood into the heart. When this happens a heart attack is more than likely to occur. When the same thing happens within the penile arteries, the blood restriction simply prevents erections.
Learning About the Kinds of Habits and Conditions that can Worsen Artery Related ED as well as Heart Disease and Determining how you can Correct Them
The fight against erectile dysfunction, as well as heart disease, requires you to control and eliminate certain risk factors.
Stop Smoking
Nicotine constricts coronary arteries and reduces the amount of oxygen that enters the heart. It can also cause higher blood pressure and increases the risk of a heart attack. As far as Impotence is concerned, men that smoke are 26 times more likely to develop Erectile Dysfunction, or so states a study performed by a research team from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, led by Dr. John Spangler. Dr. Spangler affirms that smoking impedes some men from achieving a full erection.
Smoking is known to accelerate the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and when the arteries in the pelvic area are affected, penile blood flow is restricted.
Control Bad Cholesterol Intake
Yes, it's true, the body needs a certain amount of cholesterol, but the thing is that the body itself produces all of the cholesterol it really needs, so the excess cholesterol we take in will only contribute to the build up of more artery obstructing plaque. The plaque build up affects both the heart, as well as the ability to obtain a proper erection. But let's not confuse low-density lipoprotein, which is called "Bad Cholesterol" (because it contributes to the clogging of the arteries) with what is known as "Good Cholesterol" (high-density lipoprotein), which instead helps to actually clear the arteries of the bad cholesterol we have consumed and therefore prevents it from building up as plaque within the artery walls.
It is important to periodically take blood tests in order to determine if our cholesterol levels are higher than they should be. Bad cholesterol can build up quietly and quickly and if it isn't detected early on through a blood test, we won't even notice it until it has already caused us much damage. Ideally, your total cholesterol level should be less than 200 and high-density lipoprotein levels (bad cholesterol should account for no more than 129).
Lose Weight
Overweight and obese people are more likely to suffer from ED and are at greater risk of suffering from a stroke. People should strive to have a BMI (body mass index) of less than 25. Losing weight can be achieved through various methods, including exercise, dieting, taking weight loss medications such as Phentermine, etc. It is important to consult your health care professional as to what weight loss option is best for you.
Exercise
Physically inactive people are much more likely to develop erectile dysfunction or suffer from a stroke. Studies have shown that a person can better their health by exercising just 30 minutes a day and it doesn't have to be a Jane Fonda work out either; 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise will drastically improve our health and improve our sex life.
Lower Your Stress Level
Stressful events can trigger a stroke in some people. People who worry excessively also tend to drink, smoke and overeat more than they should. These habits could result in other complications, as well as affect our sex life.
Activities such as Yoga, Meditation, prayer, etc, can have profoundly positive effects on our health. It is therefore important to develop your own stress management plan.
Change Your Diet
Eating right is a necessary component in the fight against heart disease and ED A nutritionist can recommend the best diet for you. If you are disciplined enough, a proper diet can help you restore the normal functioning of your arteries. Healthy arteries mean easier blood flow and easier blood flow means a reduced risk of heart attacks and a healthier erection. |
