A report published on June 20, 2026, by Amader Desh Online highlights that erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early warning sign of major health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. Researchers note that the penis often serves as a barometer of a man’s overall health, yet more than half of men over 40 with ED avoid seeking medical advice due to embarrassment, missing early detection opportunities.

Studies cited in the report show that men with ED face a 59 percent higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 34 percent higher risk of stroke. A Taiwanese study found a 68 percent higher chance of developing dementia within seven years among men with ED. Those with type-2 diabetes are nearly three times more likely to experience ED. Experts link these risks to vascular and nerve damage caused by poor blood sugar control and stress-related hormonal changes.

The article also mentions that drugs like Viagra may improve both sexual and heart health, though researchers caution that evidence on broader therapeutic benefits remains preliminary.