Cardiovascular aspects of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) reflects endothelial dysfunction, which is the most common organic cause of ED. Vascular disease and/or diabetes are most frequently associated with ED with coexisting coronary artery disease a major concern. Advising on sexual activity and the treatment of ED is a management challenge but simple guidelines exist for advice in the out‐patient (or out of hospital) and in‐patient setting which allow safe and effective recommendations to be given in properly assessed diabetic patients. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.