HIGH blood pressure symptoms could lead to erectile dysfunction, as arteries leading to the penis become damaged.

• High blood pressure linked to erectile dysfunction
• Hypertension damages arteries
• Cuts blood flow to penis
• Some blood pressure medications can cause eerectile dysfunction

Hypertension – or high blood pressure – can damage arteries and make them less flexible.

This cuts the amount of blood flowing to the penis, and can lead to to erectile dysfunction.

Proper blood flow to the penis is needed to maintain an erection.

Some blood pressure medications can also cause erectile dysfunction, according to charity Blood Pressure UK.

“Men with high blood pressure can sometimes experience erectile dysfunction but, for many of them, it can be treated effectively,” said the charity.

“If erectile dysfunction is caused by high blood pressure, then lowering blood pressure through medicines and lifestyle changes should treat the problem effectively.”

Beta-blockers and some diuretics were the most likely blood pressure medicines to cause erectile dysfunction.

Speak to your GP if you’re worried that medication could be causing erectile dysfunction, the Blood Pressure UK advised.

About 30 per cent of high blood pressure patients complained of erectile dysfunction| GETTY IMAGES

Changing dosage or moving to another medicine could help to reduce symptoms of impotence (erectile dysfunction).
But, it was important to speak to a doctor about any changes to medication, and don’t stop taking any current medication without medical advice.

About 30 per cent of patients with high blood pressure also reported erectile dysfunction, according to a 2012 US study.

More than 25 per cent of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, said the NHS.

High blood pressure affects more than 25 per cent of adults in the UK | GETTY IMAGES

The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked.

High blood pressure puts extra stress on blood vessels, the heart and other organs.

Without treatment, the condition could lead to heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Reduce your blood pressure by cutting back on alcohol, losing weight and exercising regularly.

Source: Express UK
“High blood pressure symptoms: Erectile dysfunction could be caused by high BP” by:MATT ATHERTON