Is ED a sign of other health problems?

Yes, ED can sometimes be an early warning sign of more serious health conditions, especially those involving blood flow and the heart. The same factors that affect your heart and blood vessels—like high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes—can restrict blood flow to the penis. That’s why doctors often view ED as a vascular issue first. In many cases, men discover they have heart disease or diabetes after getting evaluated for ED. This is why it’s important to take ED seriously, even if it seems mild. A checkup can uncover underlying conditions early and potentially prevent life-threatening complications.