Erectile Dysfunction and Mortality in a National Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction. Emerging work has shown erectile dysfunction (ED) to be an important indicator of cardiovascular risk via its shared pathophysiology. Yet limited research has examined if a direct relationship between ED and mortality risk exists. Aim. The purpose of this brief report was to better define the relationship between ED and mortality risk. Methods. Prevalent ED was assessed with the question: "How would you describe your ability to get and keep an erection adequate for satisfactory intercourse?" Participant data from the population-based 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was linked to death certificates from the National Death Index for mortality assessment. Main Outcome Measures. Increased risk of premature all-cause mortality among those with ED (vs. those without). Results. Of 1,790 adult men providing complete data (age range: 20-85 years; mean = 45.4 year), with 557 having ED, over a 93-month follow-up, 244 deceased over this time. After adjustments, those with ED (vs. those without) had a 70% increased risk of premature all-cause mortality (hazards ratio = 1.70; 95% confidence interval; 1.01-2.85; P = 0.04). Conclusions. ED is associated with increased premature mortality risk. The present findings have major public health and clinical implications in that ED is a strong indicator of premature mortality. Therefore, patients with ED should be screened and possibly treated for complications that may increase the risk of premature death.