Men with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Demonstrate Increased Risk of Calcified Coronary Arteries

    NEW YORK, NY, June 10, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In the largest study done to date, RMA of New York's Dr. Natan Bar-Chama and his associates presented ground-breaking research that determined men with erectile dysfunction (ED) are at a significantly increased risk of high coronary artery calcification scores (CACS), a known predictor of future cardiovascular events. This research was presented at the American Urological Association (AUA) annual meeting on May 31, 2010 in San Francisco.

The study showed that men with ED have higher CACS scores, independent of other coronary risk factors. In fact, men with ED are 50% more likely to have high CACS scores compared to those without ED. The study evaluated 1,119 consecutively enrolled men, 31% of which experienced ED, as part of the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program.

"This study highlights that ED is the canary in the coal mine for underlying cardiovascular disease and, therefore, men with ED need to be evaluated for overall cardiovascular risk and guidelines are needed to define which diagnostic tests can best assess this risk," said Dr. Bar-Chama, Director of the Center for Male Reproductive Health at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York.

The study, titled "Erectile Dysfunction is an Independent Risk Factor for the Presence of High Risk Coronary Artery Calcification", demonstrated this increased risk of calcification of coronary arteries, even when taking other co-morbidities and risk factors into consideration. In fact, the increased risk of coronary artery calcification for men with ED is similar to the increased risk for men with a history of hypertension or smokers. The mean age of the men in the study was 50.5 years of age.

"Identifying that ED may be an early indication of risk for a future major coronary event is but the first step in creating effective testing and early intervention, but may help us positively impact future health," added Dr. Bar-Chama. "Certainly these findings indicate early and more thorough evaluation for ED is appropriate and it may be wise to seek the care of a urologist when first noticing the symptoms of ED."

About The Center for Male Reproductive Health at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York:

Led by renowned urologist, Dr. Natan Bar-Chama, the center focuses on providing innovative male reproductive and sexual health services in a professional and confidential setting. As the Director of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, and an Associate Professor in the Departments of Urology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Bar-Chama incorporates the most up-to-date scientific insights into clinical patient care. For more information, please call 212.756.5777 or visit www.maleinfertilityny.com

About Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York (RMA of New York):
RMA of New York is the reproductive endocrinology and infertility division of Mount Sinai Medical Center and has been caring for patients at their midtown Manhattan location since 2001, with additional locations in Westchester and Long Island. RMA of New York is a full-service fertility center with international acclaim for its in vitro fertilization (IVF) program that consistently achieves high live birth rates, while maintaining low rates of triplet and higher birth outcomes. Highly individualized patient care is offered through seven reproductive endocrinologists, a urologist, a complementary care team, and highly qualified staff. RMA of New York's clinical and laboratory teams are active researchers with the mission of translating scientific insight into clinical care. For more information, please call 212.756.5777 or visit www.rmany.com

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