Erectile dysfunction may signal heart disease: Heart surgeon reveals 4 warning signs men often overlook

As men get older, symptoms such as snoring, poor sleep, low energy or changes in sexual health are often brushed aside as a normal part of ageing. However, experts warn that these seemingly minor issues can sometimes be early indicators of underlying cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, recently highlighted four warning signs that many men overlook until serious health complications develop. In an Instagram video shared on June 1, he explained that these symptoms may point to deeper problems affecting heart and vascular health.

1. Low testosterone may signal lifestyle-related health issues

According to Dr London, declining testosterone levels are often dismissed as an inevitable consequence of ageing. However, he says low testosterone is frequently linked to lifestyle factors such as excess abdominal fat, poor sleep quality and inadequate physical activity.

Rather than immediately turning to medication, he recommends addressing these underlying causes first.

“The first is decreasing testosterone levels. Most of us chalk this up just to getting older, but really it’s downstream from increased belly fat, poor sleep and lack of exercise. Fix these things before you go chasing a prescription,” he said.

2. Men face heart disease risk earlier than women

Dr London noted that men typically develop cardiovascular disease about a decade earlier than women.

Before menopause, women benefit from the protective effects of oestrogen, which helps reduce cardiovascular risk. As a result, men often have a shorter window to prevent long-term heart problems.

“Heart disease shows up about a decade earlier in men than it does in women. That means our window of opportunity is in our 30s and 40s, not our 60s,” he explained.

The surgeon stressed that preventive measures such as regular exercise, healthy eating and routine health screenings become especially important during these years.

3. Erectile dysfunction can be an early heart warning

One of the strongest messages from Dr London was that erectile dysfunction (ED) should not be viewed solely as a sexual health issue.

Because the arteries supplying blood to the penis are smaller than many other arteries in the body, they may show signs of reduced blood flow or vascular disease earlier than larger blood vessels.

“This one isn’t just a bedroom problem. The arteries down there are tiny—they clog first. New ED can be the earliest warning your heart gives you, years before chest pain,” he said.

He advised men experiencing new-onset erectile dysfunction to consider a cardiovascular evaluation rather than relying only on medication to treat symptoms.

4. Sleep apnoea may silently damage the heart

Loud snoring, poor-quality sleep and persistent daytime fatigue are common symptoms of sleep apnoea, a condition that often goes undiagnosed.

According to Dr London, untreated sleep apnoea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and long-term strain on the heart.

“Sleep apnoea shows up with snoring and waking up exhausted. This isn’t just a quirk. Sleep apnoea increases the risk of hypertension and arrhythmias, and it strains the heart. Most men who have it are not even aware,” he warned.

A common thread behind all four warning signs

Dr London pointed out that low testosterone, early heart disease, erectile dysfunction and sleep apnoea are often connected by the same underlying factors: excess body fat, poor sleep, lack of exercise and declining vascular health.

Recognising these symptoms early and making lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of more serious cardiovascular problems later in life.

“Take care of yourself first because if you’re not around, you can’t take care of anyone else,” he said.