Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) are 38 per cent more likely to have hypertension, or high blood pressure, than men without ED, according to new research.

"We've heard for some time that men who have ED may be more likely to have high blood pressure. This statistical analysis is the largest epidemiological study to confirm this link, and the first to compare men with ED - and those without - for hypertension," said lead researcher Peter Sun, M.D., M.S., Ph.D., Eli Lilly and Company. "Because of this connection, it is all the more important for a man to overcome his hesitation or embarrassment about ED, a condition with obvious symptoms, and see his doctor. Detecting and treating hypertension, a silent disease in many, may help prevent catastrophic events, such as stroke."

ED and hypertension share a common underlying factor - the constriction of blood vessels - indicating that ED could be a sign for larger, serious health problems. ED is often one of the first signals of poor blood flow and impaired circulation in the body. While ED is a noticeable disorder, hypertension is often silent and unknown to the patient.

According to the American Heart Association, one in four adults in America has high blood pressure, with 33 per cent of men affected. Of those with high blood pressure, 30 per cent are unaware they have the condition. ED, the consistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, affects an estimated 20 - 30 million men in America with varying severity.

"Thanks to the recent availability of more ED treatment options, increasing numbers of men are seeking help for their sexual health," said Louis Kuritzky, M.D., family physician, clinical assistant professor, University of Florida. "Visiting their healthcare professional for this condition is a perfect opportunity for a thorough examination of related conditions, including hypertension."

Lilly ICOS LLC, a joint venture between Eli Lilly and Company and ICOS Corporation, is marketing oral ED therapy Cialis (tadalafil). Lilly ICOS coordinated an extensive statistical analysis of 51 national managed health care plans to compile evidence confirming ED patients are more likely to have hypertension than those without ED. The study was presented at the 99th Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

The statistical analysis compared hypertension rates among men with ED (285,436) in managed-care health plans and men without ED (1,584,230). The findings revealed that 41.2 per cent of men with ED also had hypertension, compared to 19.2 per cent of men without ED. Compiled from 1995 to 2002, the data came from a large national managed-care health plan claims database, which covered 28 million members from 51 health plans across the country. All subjects with ED were health plan members who had an ED diagnosis or ED treatment at or after age 18. The non-ED subjects consisted of male health plan members who were 18 years of age or older and never had an ED diagnosis or treatment. Researchers then examined the data for the effect of ED on the likelihood of having hypertension, controlling for age, geographical regions, and nine common comorbid conditions. Both prevalence rate difference (between men with ED and those without) and the odds ratio of having hypertension were calculated.

Cialis, approved by the FDA in November 2003 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, is the first oral ED treatment shown to improve erectile function up to 36 hours in most men. Cialis can be taken without regard to food. The absorption of Cialis is not affected by food, including high-fat foods. Cialis is currently available in more than 55 countries including Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United States and countries throughout Europe. Nearly two million patients have been treated with Cialis since its first introduction in February 2003.

Cialis is available by prescription only and is not for everyone. Men taking nitrates, often used for chest pain, or certain alpha-blockers for prostate problems or high blood pressure, should not take Cialis. Such combinations could cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Men should discuss their health status with their doctors to ensure Cialis is right for them and that they are healthy enough for sexual activity.

The most common side effects with Cialis were headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. Although rare, men who experience an erection for more than four hours should seek immediate medical attention. Men should not drink alcohol in excess with Cialis. Cialis studies were not designed to assess multiple intercourse attempts after a single dose.