Pssst... Tell 5, Pass It Along!

iRhythm "success"

On Thanksgiving 2010, I felt like I was "off" all day.  One of our cats woke me up at 5:30AM.  I have been exhausted over the last few months anyway.  

I hadn't previously shared this via the Internet, but I am pregnant for the first time.  I have only been this exhausted once before:  prior to the myocardial infarction (M.I.) I survived in 2008.  Nausea is also a common theme during this pregnancy.  My nutrition has been non-existent since becoming pregnant (I could tell early on that I was pregnant).  Excitement has carried me through the last few months of pregnancy.  I've done my best to block out the 'what if' ideas and instead think positively about having a healthy baby.  

Back to Thanksgiving.  Preparation in the kitchen kept me busy until about 10AM when I decided to take a nap.  The smell of food cooking woke me up a couple of times, but I fell back asleep unable to get up.  A little before 2PM, I made myself get up even though I still felt tired (I needed to help with the cooking, but it was already all done, hooray!).  After showering and dressing, I tried to set the table, but felt like I was about to faint in addition to palpitations.  My pulse was rapid compared to the usual rate.  I decided to use an electronic blood pressure/heart rate device.  My pulse was on average at 100 which is a high rate for me.  My shoulder blades were also extremely painful (another symptom during the M.I. I had).  Unfortunately I had walked our wild dog the day before and wasn't sure if that was the cause.  When we sat down for dinner at 3PM, I had no appetite.  After dinner, I "retired" to my recliner.  I finally asked my husband to call the on-call cardiologist because I eerily felt similar to the day(s) leading up to my M.I. (heart attack).  Soon I spoke with the on-call cardiologist who told me to record and transmit anything I felt via the iRhythm medical device and assured me that Zio Event Card/IRhythm would contact the cardiologist should something be received that needed immediate attention.  Needless to say, I later found myself at the local emergency room.

Arrival at the ER was a result of using the iRhythm.  I recorded an event later in the evening around 8pm while watching football.  The cause for the recording occurred when I felt a dull, repetitive pain below my left breast.  About an hour later, I phoned iRhythm and transmitted the recording.  I know, I shouldn't have waited.  Unlike previous transmissions, the representative asked me to record another event while they remained on the phone and then transmit the event.  After doing so, I asked why I was instructed to complete the task and was told that the event (that I recorded while watching football an hour earlier) met the criteria to notify the on-call cardiologist.  After waiting about 20 minutes, I called iRhythm back and asked if they had contacted the on-call cardiologist.  The representative stated that they were in the process and that if I wasn't contacted, that would mean the on-call cardiologist deemed the event not an emergency.  Thankful for the fact that I was wearing the Zio Event Card/iRhythm, I asked if it was okay for me to call back if I didn't hear from the on-call cardiologist.  I found it hard to believe that given the fact I had already spoken with the on-call cardiologist, that I wouldn't be contacted.  The representative stated I was welcome to call back.  Fortunately I received a call from the on-call cardiologist about 10-15 minutes later.  I was told that it was a good idea for me to go to the hospital and that the doctor would call ahead of my arrival.  


More on that later.  I'm tired and my husband just handed me a homemade piece of apple pie!  I'm very thankful for every day I have and need to go spend time with the ones I love.

Dr. Oz: Mehmet C. Oz, M.D.

I've never been a fan of "talk shows", no matter the genre, not to mention the lackluster garbage most television networks produce of late.  Despite my usual lack of interest, the Dr. Oz Show has more than peaked my interest since the initial broadcast in the fall of last year (2009).  I can't get enough of the show.  I find it so adorable that all the women who join Dr. Oz from the audience on stage are so taken with Dr. Oz.  The admiration reminds me of stories I've heard from family about the fanfare that followed Elvis Presley, except instead of teenagers, these are mature women.  Okay, maybe not quite the level of crazed hormonal teenagers, yet it would appear that Dr. Oz, has become, a sex symbol to many.  I digress.  I wish I lived within a reasonable distance to be a patient at New York Presbyterian Hospital, moreover, the Complementary Care Center.  I first learned of the Complementary Care Center in one of the books I am currently enjoying, 'Healing from the Heart' by Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. with Ron Arias and Lisa Oz (1999).  Please take note, this book has a copyright date of 1998.  While the book is now twelve years old, it remains years ahead of Western medicine.  

I bought this book shortly after the myocardial infarction I had two years ago.  I am embarrassed that I only began reading it a couple of weeks ago.  It is an easy read as the saying goes.  I don't know why it took me so long to open; maybe I was scared of the reality.  'Healing from the Heart' is nothing to be frightened of though.  Reading it as a heart attack survivor has brought me comfort.  Every heart attack/disease survivor should read this book.  Dr. Oz isn't just concerned with the mechanics of Western medicine as evident in each chapter.  Factual medical information explaining the "biology of an MI" begins in chapter one, followed by the exploration/comparison of various non-traditional or "complementary medicine" as referenced by the author.  Dr. Oz clearly wishes to treat and benefit patients not only physically, but emotionally as well.  His writing should be required reading for all medical students.  The healing ideas discussed should be heeded by all persons wishing to enter into the medical field, and if not, I myself would never want that person as a physician.  


Please excuse me while I bird-walk over to the topic of health insurance.  It is well past the time that the Western world and insurance companies remain open minded about approaching health as complementary medicine describes - prescription pills and surgeries alone are not the answer.  Perhaps this is why insurance companies continue to deny therapies.  If these therapies were available, they just may heal people to the point that there is no longer the need for a battery of prescription medicine or unnecessary treatment(s)/surgery(s).  Where would the insurance companies be without repeat patients:  having only received traditional medical care, still lacking, universal, whole body and mind care!?  

Personally, I've explored some of the therapies shared in Dr. Oz's book prior to reading it.  While not coming out and labeling the various therapies discussed, it's clear to me that processes such as Reiki are described.  (I'm on page 129, so forgive me if I am wrong.)  When I met with a Reiki practitioner (or energy healer), I felt a tremendous improvement emotionally and physically.  Whether or not this was a placebo effect, what does it matter if overused Western therapies are not proving beneficial?  I honestly don't care if it is in my mind or an actual result of Reiki, I feel better!  I doubt others who experience chronic pain would (having benefited) state, oh no, this might not truly be effective treatment, and return to therapies that produce less satisfactory physical/emotional results.  The same can be said with acupuncture.  I found acupuncture to be very beneficial.  


Again, I fail to understand why insurance companies do not offer coverage for these types of medical therapies (at least mine doesn't).  I can only assume it comes down to their financial situation being more advantageous by having frequent customers.  Since this is the case, I'd like my frequent flyer card issued immediately.  I 'fly' the standard, repetitive, western medicine skies all too much not to receive a freebie or upgrade at some point.  No frequent flyer card available?  Okay, I'd much prefer to have my insurance company cover complementary medical treatments in the end anyway.  It's ridiculous the insurance hoops patients have to jump through to get the health care they desire.  It's a shame in a country that is supposedly so forward thinking.  Dr. Oz is a forward thinker (and that doesn't even give his approach justice).  I could go on about the book, but like many medical situations, suffering a trauma is pretty personal.  Interpretation (by reader) will be individual and personal also.  

If you are cardiac patient or have a loved one who is, don't pass up Dr. Oz's book.  If you want my copy when I'm done, let me know, I'd be happy to pass it along!  If you have television, don't pass up the Dr. Oz Show either, it could positively increase your lifetime.  Incidentally, I'd be irresponsible if I didn't mention talking with your own doctor prior to making changes to your health care.  Everyone is different and your medical providers should always be kept in the know.

that rock

Where my health is concerned, I've had a solid week of feeling like Sisyphus (thus, the reason for "hybernating" from the world).  I've been doing my best to not let my imagination get the better of me.  Maybe things aren't even as bad as they feel, however, collectively I feel like I am in my twelfth round of a boxing match, having already been knocked out.

As a Patient, Advocate for Yourself!

Posted on Tue, Feb. 09, 2010

Cardiologist's advice about No. 1 killer of women

BY TERESA MEARStmears@mindspring.com

The leading killer of women isn't breast cancer or any other kind of cancer, but heart disease, which kills nearly twice as many women each year as die from all forms of cancer combined. During February, which is American Heart Month, many groups focus on women's heart health with screenings and the American Heart Association's ``Go Red'' movement to raise awareness. There was a time when women didn't respond well to treatment such as heart bypasses and stents, but that is changing, says Dr. Stratego ``Stacey'' Castanes, an interventional cardiologist who has been active in Miami-Dade heart health awareness events. ``One of the reasons we're doing better is patient education, women being advocates for themselves,'' says Castanes, who is in private practice and is also associated with the South Miami Heart Center. We talked to Castanes about women and heart disease. Her answers have been edited for space. Q: How is heart disease different in women than in men? A: The biggest difference is the symptoms, especially of heart attacks. The things that we classically describe to patients -- chest discomfort like an elephant sitting on the chest, radiation to the jaw and down the arm -- aren't quite the symptoms women feel. We still don't know how to describe the classic symptoms women feel. I've had women who were having a massive heart attack and they just felt as if all they needed to do was burp and it would get better. It fools everyone. My recommendation to women is if you're feeling bad enough to think that something's wrong and it's persistent and it continues to make you feel worse -- women still feel some kind of chest discomfort and some type of shortness of breath -- you should go to the emergency room. Q: What is the most important thing women can do to protect their hearts? A: The most important thing is exercise. Exercise can decrease your risk for breast cancer, treat depression, prevent heart attacks and strokes, control blood pressure, prevent adult-onset diabetes. The other important thing is having the same due diligence that women have for seeing their ob-gyn to seeing a cardiologist to determine their risk. Q: What are the risk factors for women? A: Smoking brings on heart disease, 10 to 20 years earlier. Strong family history of heart disease is a risk factor. Post-menopausal for women is a strong risk factor. Diabetes. High blood pressure. High cholesterol. The risk factors are basically the same for men. Q: Who needs cholesterol-lowering medication? A: There was an interesting study done in 2007 where they used criteria to determine if someone was low risk, intermediate risk or high risk for heart disease. Then they looked at patients who had reported a heart attack or stroke. The scariest part of the study was that 80 percent of the people, before their event, were considered low risk. Cholesterol is one of those things where there is no such thing as normal. Depending on the risk factors, you have to make the decision of whether to treat cholesterol. A cholesterol of 130 might be OK for one person but for another person who has a family risk of heart disease and is a smoker, that's not OK and that cholesterol needs to be treated. Q: Should women take a daily aspirin to lower their risk of heart disease? A: We have gone back and forth and been very confused throughout the years about what to recommend. For men it's very clear-cut. If you're in your 40s you should be on aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke. Women tend to get heart disease later in life and there's an increased risk of bleeding with the aspirin. We initially didn't have clear-cut guidelines. Now the guidelines say if you're above 60 with one risk factor for coronary disease you should consider aspirin. If you have two risk factors, you should definitely be on aspirin. Q: What is the link between diabetes and heart disease? A: Basically we consider diabetes equivalent to heart disease. Diabetics are three to five times more likely to have coronary disease than their counterparts with all the same problems but not diabetes. Blood pressure needs to be very tightly controlled, even tighter than usual. Cholesterol needs to be tightly controlled. It seems that a lot of heart disease is linked to an inflammatory process. Diabetes is a constant inflammatory process. The endothelium, the tissue in the lining of the arteries, needs to work a certain way for the heart to function normally. Inflammatory states such as diabetes cause dysfunction of that endothelium, which results in coronary artery disease. Q: Why is blood pressure important? A: Blood pressure is important because it's so closely linked to increased risk of heart attack or stroke. On a very basic level, the endothelium gets pounded with these high blood pressures all day, which results in inflammation and damage to the endothelium. Q: What's your advice about diet? A: Physicians are always asked about diet, and the sad thing is we take less of a month of it in medical school. Nutritionists know this much better. One of the simplest things is that you should have as much color on your plate as possible. Yellow all over the plate -- pasta, corn, potatoes -- is not good.

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© 2010 Miami Herald Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.miamiherald.com

Quick Chest Pain Test Simplifies Discharge Decision

Hallelujah!  Which of my local hospitals will be offering this 'simple, inexpensive test'?  Moreover, will it be available at my cardiologist's office?!  It's so frustrating being told to go to the emergency room (where the emergency room doctor's call my cardiologist and ask what to do...).  A lot of waste (especially when I've gone in at night, they automatically admit me into the hospital overnight, no if's, and's or but's.  Quite a lot of expense in the end.  I don't want it to sound like I make a bee line for the ER every time my heart skips a beat (I've gone twice since my heart attack, for my heart).  I'm very happy for all heart patients about this new test!  Article below:

Quick Chest Pain Test Simplifies Discharge Decision

Thursday, February 11, 2010

CT scan lets doctors see any blockage in arteries, study finds

A simple, inexpensive test can tell doctors whether it's safe to discharge a patient who has come to the emergency room with chest pain, a new study shows.

The coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) test detects coronary artery disease. A CT scan is used to quickly provide doctors with a detailed image of the heart that shows calcium build-up in the coronary arteries.

This study of 1,031 chest pain patients found that those with a CACS score of zero can be safely sent home without further heart testing. Of the patients in the study, 61 percent had a CACS of zero.

"It is imperative to accurately diagnose patients who come to the emergency department with chest pain. Unfortunately, diagnosing chest pain is often expensive and time-consuming. This new data could save millions of health-care dollars and countless hours spent waiting on unnecessary tests," principal investigator Dr. John Mahmarian, a cardiologist at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Institute in Houston, said in a news release.

The study was published online Feb. 8 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.

Women's Heart Disease Awareness Still Lacking

Women's Heart Disease Awareness Still Lacking

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

More than 40 percent of women don't know it is leading killer, survey finds

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Despite public awareness campaigns, almost half of all American women still don't know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, new research finds.

Even more concerning, only slightly more than half of women would call for emergency help if they were having heart attack symptoms, according to the latest survey for the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women public awareness campaign.

"We've made a lot of progress since 1997 [when the Go Red campaign first began], but we still have a long way to go," said lead researcher Dr. Lori Mosca, director of preventive cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

For example, she said, "Only about half of women knew what heart attack symptoms are."

Results of the study are scheduled to be published in the March issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

In 1997, when the survey was first conducted, just 30 percent of women realized that heart disease was the leading cause of death in women. In 2009, that number was 54 percent. However, that number is down slightly from 2006 when 57 percent of women said that heart disease was the biggest threat to their health.

Young women were more likely to believe that breast cancer was their biggest potential health threat. Thirty-four percent of women between the ages of 25 and 34 thought breast cancer was more of a threat than heart disease, compared to 22 percent of women over 65 who felt that way.

Racial disparities still exist, though the racial gap in awareness is narrowing, according to the survey. Just 43 percent of black women and 44 percent of Hispanic women correctly identified heart disease as the leading killer of women. However, those numbers were significantly increased from 1997, when the rates of awareness were 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

Other important findings from the new survey include:

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  Eighty-five percent of women said they had seen, heard or read about heart disease during the past year.

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  Only 53 percent of women said they would call 911 if they were having heart attack symptoms.

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  Just over half of women said the biggest barrier to taking preventive steps against heart disease were family and care-taking responsibilities.

Women are taking important preventive steps such as seeing their doctors and having their blood pressure checked. However, many women are relying on unproven strategies to prevent heart disease, as well. For example, 82 percent said they believed that fish oil would help them prevent heart disease, and 29 percent said aromatherapy could be helpful, according to the survey.

"Although there may be some benefit to alternative and complementary therapies, they pale in comparison to turning off the TV and going out for a walk," said Dr. Pamela Marcovitz, medical director of the Ministrelli Women's Heart Center at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. "When people exercise even moderately most days of the week, they're incredibly more likely to be healthier and live longer."

Both Mosca and Marcovitz said that experts have to find new ways to get the message of heart disease prevention out to more people. Mosca said that having women tell their stories to other women at places like community centers could be helpful. She said it's also important to have information available in Spanish. Marcovitz said that social networking sites may also prove useful for spreading heart health messages.

Both doctors said that if you have chest pain -- and it may not always feel like pain; it could be pressure or a squeezing sensation -- that doesn't go away after a few minutes, you need to call 911. Women also may have more unusual symptoms, such as feeling nauseous or having jaw pain.

"If you're having symptoms, make the phone call," advised Marcovitz. "Take your symptoms seriously. Even if it's not a heart attack, you'll still get the right cardiology work-up."

Mosca echoed that advice. "Most women know something isn't right, but they don't want to bother anyone. We'd rather you called 911, even if it's a false alarm," she said.

Retrospect: I am a Heart Attack Survivor

If you follow the news closely, and by closely I mean in a timely manner, you are aware of former President Bill Clinton's stent procedure that took place following "chest discomfort" today.  I can't help but feel heart-sick.

After reading my own post titled, 'It Hurts and It Hurts', I feel I haven't followed my own advice.  Had someone told me they were feeling the way I described in my post, I would have urged them to seek medical care.  Of course, I considered going to the hospital.  So, what held me back?  My $100 co-pay for the emergency room and the fact that the emergency room doctors never do anything.  It is a vicious cycle. Unless you are literally on your death bed (and they are able to determine so), the emergency room doctors seldom are proactive for patients.  I know I sound ungrateful.  I'm not ungrateful, however, this is my experience in the emergency room, time after time.  

When I had my heart attack, one of the responding Emergency Medical Technician's (EMT) tried to persuade me that I was fine and probably just overworked (I told the EMT I had been at the gym prior to calling 911).  Add that knowledge to the fact that I was overweight and only in my early thirties and it's plausible that the EMT felt I was someone older (in his opinion!), who was out of shape and had overexerted herself at the gym. I told the EMT (along with the 911 operator) that I felt I was having a heart attack.  

When I arrived at the emergency room by ambulance at the local hospital I was left on the gurney in the hallway.  The pain in my shoulder blades (a heart attack symptom in females) increased and I began yelling at any personnel who passed by, that I needed help and thought I was having a heart attack.  They looked at me like I was crazy.  I kept yelling (truly, this only went on for a few minutes, but situations like that feel like hours).  I was not about to be quiet.  They moved me into a room where they tried to calm me.  Finally they hooked me up to an electrocardiogram (EKG).  I kept asking if I was having a heart attack.  Suddenly the small room filled with people.  A man walked in, dressed in golfing attire (it was a Saturday afternoon).  When I saw him I immediately knew I was having a heart attack.  He took my hand and confirmed that I was having a heart attack; he was the cardiologist who saved my life and I will forever be thankful for him.  

I have never had any ill feelings towards the medical personnel who originally lacked reaction when I said I thought I was having a heart attack.  Heart attack in women is consistently misdiagnosed.  It is the numero uno killer of women.  Number 1!  Both medical personnel and we as patients have to be diligent about heart disease education; knowing the symptoms and better diagnosis on the part of medical professionals, to change the way that heart attack is overlooked in women.  I am a heart attack survivor, and it needs to remain that way, as it does with other women.
  
February is American Heart Month.  Please familiarize yourself with the differences between male and female warning signs of stroke and heart attack.  Second, make lifestyle changes if you haven't already done so.  Lastly, find out as much as you can about your family medical history:  there should be no question so uncomfortable as compared to saying goodbye too early to a loved one.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!!!

Winter Weather Tips from the American Heart Association
Combo of colder temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart

The American Heart Association says that for most people, shoveling snow may not lead to any health problems. However, the association warns that the risk of a heart attack during snow shoveling may increase for some, stating that the combination of colder temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart. People who are outdoors in cold weather should avoid sudden exertion, like lifting a heavy shovel full of snow. Even walking through heavy, wet snow or snow drifts can strain a person’s heart. 

Click here for more information on how cold weather affects the heart.

To help make snow removal safer, the American Heart Association has compiled a list of practical tips.

• Give yourself a break. Take frequent rest breaks during shoveling so you don’t overstress your heart. Pay attention to how your body feels during those breaks.
• Don’t eat a heavy meal prior or soon after shoveling. Eating a large meal can put an extra load on your heart.
• Use a small shovel or consider a snow thrower. The act of lifting heavy snow can raise blood pressure acutely during the lift. It is safer to lift smaller amounts more times, than to lug a few huge shovelfuls of snow. When possible, simply push the snow.
• Learn the heart attack warning signs and listen to your body, but remember this: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1
• Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling. Alcohol may increase a person’s sensation of warmth and may cause them to underestimate the extra strain their body is under in the cold.
• Consult a doctor. If you have a medical condition, don’t exercise on a regular basis or are middle aged or older, meet with your doctor prior to the first anticipated snowfall.
• Be aware of the dangers of hypothermia. Heart failure causes most deaths in hypothermia. To prevent hypothermia, dress in layers of warm clothing, which traps air between layers forming a protective insulation. Wear a hat because much of your body’s heat can be lost through your head.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff is also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room. If you can’t access EMS, have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you’re the one having symptoms, don’t drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.

For more information, visit your physician or call the American Heart Association at 800-AHA-USA1 or visit online at www.americanheart.org. 

Attention Men (and Women Who Have Influence Over Men)...

Erectile Dysfunction Predicts Heart Disease

Experts urge more doctors to ask simple question of male patients

MONDAY, Jan. 18 (HealthDay News) -- Erectile dysfunction is a strong warning sign that a man might be at increased risk for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, a long-running study indicates.

"We saw that adjusting for age and Framingham [Heart Study] risk factors, men with erectile function still had a 40 percent increased risk," said Andre Araujo, director of epidemiology at New England Research Institutes and lead author of a report published online Jan. 19 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Though adding erectile dysfunction to the list of known risk factors determined by the Framingham Heart Study -- cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure -- doesn't improve the prediction of future cardiovascular trouble, it can be a quick, free addition to risk assessment, Araujo said.

"If a man presents with erectile dysfunction, the physician should work him up for cardiovascular disease," he said. "It is low cost -- indeed, no cost -- with no risk associated with it."

The study is the latest of several that have linked erectile dysfunction to cardiovascular disease. That is to be expected, Araujo said, because the same artery-blocking conditions that reduce blood flow to the heart and brain can also reduce flow to the penis.

The study followed 1,057 men, aged 40 to 70, for an average of 12 years. Overall, 37 percent of the men with erectile dysfunction were in the high-risk category according to the Framingham standards, compared with 17 percent of men without erectile dysfunction.

Once the link to cardiovascular problems was established, "we started modeling to see if we added erectile dysfunction to the Framingham risk profile we could reclassify some men," Araujo said. "In fact, it doesn't do much."

The reason is that the Framingham risk profile is hard to improve on, he said. Over the years, studies of a number of diagnostic techniques -- including computerized tomography scanning and various molecular markers, such as inflammation-related C-reactive protein -- have been shown not to improve on the Framingham profile's predictive power.

But those other measures are either costly, require blood tests or carry some risk, whereas erectile dysfunction can be determined by a simple question, Araujo said.

So doctors should ask the question, said Dr. R. Parker Ward, a cardiologist and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, who has done several studies on erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular risk.

"Why not ask a simple question in the office that will reveal a diagnosis very clearly?" Ward said. "It is cheaper and easier than doing a lipid profile or measuring high blood pressure."

It's information that men should offer to their doctors, Araujo said. "Self-reported erectile dysfunction matches what urologists say about the question," he said. "We should get the message out: If you have an erectile problem, see your doctor."

Having a doctor ask the question or a man offer the information can lead to preventive therapy that can be lifesaving, Araujo said.

"One of the first signals that a guy has cardiovascular disease is often sudden death," he said.

SOURCES: Andre Araujo, Ph.D., director, epidemiology, New England Research Institutes, Watertown, Mass.; R. Parker Ward, M.D., associate professor, medicine, University of Chicago; Jan. 19, 2010, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, online

HealthDay

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