Do you order any type of cardiology workup (labs, EKG, or medical/cardiology consultation) for patients who present with erectile dysfunction but have no prior history of cardiovascular disease?

Studies in recent years have found an association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), with some researchers suggesting that ED be considered an early marker for CVD.

In a recently published review of the literature related to the relationship between ED and CVD (Asian J Androl 2012;14:138-144), researchers at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston found that study results show a link between ED and development of CVD in some patients, but ED was not shown to be an independent risk factor that is any better than traditional Framingham risk factors. The authors concluded, however, that screening for CVD may “be rewarding in younger patients with severe ED and in patients with concurrent CVD risk factors.”

Renal & Urology News would like to get an idea of what urologists think about this, so please take a few seconds to answer the following poll question.

Do you order any type of cardiology workup (labs, EKG, or medical/cardiology consultation) for patients who present with ED but have no prior history of CVD?
Leave a comment below to explain your choice.