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Hypertension and Erectile Dysfunction
Hypertension and Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction in men with high blood pressure
To understand how hypertension affects the development of erectile dysfunction, impotence, that is, you must first understand what an erection and as it arises.
Anatomy of an erection
Penis consists of three bodies, two of which are cavernous, and one - spongy, under which passes the urethra (the urethra). The main and primary function of the cavernous (sometimes referred to as cavernous from Lat. Caverna - Cave) tel - is involved in the erection of the penis. Erectile tissues consist of many small arteries and veins, smooth muscle fibers and empty cellular spaces. Outside the cavernous body covered with fascial sheaths.
During erection of the brain receives signals to the smooth muscle of the penis, resulting in cell corpus cavernosum relaxes and widens the artery. This leads to the filling of the cavernous bodies of members of the blood.
The pressure of blood flow leads to the fact that the tissue surrounding the cavernous body, squeezes the veins of the penis, which is usually flowing blood. As a result, blood accumulates in the cavernous bodies. The penis expands and increases in volume.
Upon completion of erection of the penis smooth muscle re-cut, resulting in the blood through the veins may be freely flowing into the bloodstream. The volume of the penis decreases, and it returns to its original state.
What factors influence the erection
The development of erectile dysfunction is influenced by many factors. Among one of the causes of this pathology noted high blood pressure. The findings, which were presented in the journal of the American Geriatrics Society in 1988, show that almost 49% of patients aged 40 - 79 years with hypertension suffer from erectile dysfunction.
In a later study, which was published in the journal "Urology" (USA) in 2000, it was shown that 68% of patients with high blood pressure suffer some degree of erectile dysfunction. In this case, 45% of them noted a severe form of hypertension.
If hypertension is marked violation of the expansion of the arteries responsible for the content of the corpus cavernosum of the penis with blood. In addition, there is impaired ability to relax smooth muscles in the member receiving the signals from the brain. The result is that in the cavernous body of penis enters insufficient amount of blood, came to an erection.
In addition to this, it was found that some men with hypertension may experience a low level of testosterone in the blood. But this hormone - the main male hormone that plays an important role in the occurrence of sexual arousal.
Hypertension itself can lead to impotence. For example, in atherosclerosis, which is itself a risk factor for high blood pressure, and can develop hypertension, there is deposition of atheromatous plaques in the arteries, including the walls of the iliac arteries and the bifurcation of the aorta. And the blood vessels of the penis are taking place from these large vessels. As a result, there is a narrowing of the arteries and blood flow disturbance on them.
In addition, some drugs used to treat hypertension, can cause impotence as a side effect. Among these drugs, which are characterized by this effect can be noted diuretics (diuretics) and beta blockers.
As a diuretic effect on impotence
Diuretics - are drugs that increase the release of fluid from the body by the kidneys. That is, they reduce the volume of blood in the bloodstream, resulting in a marked decrease in blood flow to the penis during erection. In addition, diuretics lead to a reduction in the body of zinc. A zinc - an important mineral that is essential for testosterone production, as well as the normal function of the prostate gland.
Beta blockers may also contribute to erectile dysfunction, reducing the ability of nerve impulses stimulate the muscles of the penis. Furthermore, they violate the ability of arteries to expand during an erection, so that the penis replenished fewer blood. Moreover, beta blockers lead to the emergence of depression and mental attitude plays a less important role in the occurrence of erection and the normal course of sexual intercourse.
In addition, the combination of hypertension with some addictions may exacerbate the effect of high blood pressure on the occurrence of impotence. This is especially true combination of hypertension with smoking. Smoking causes narrowing of small arteries and disrupts the blood vessels, and in addition it is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis.
