Symptom in bed that could signal high cholesterol and clogged arteries

Health experts have revealed a lesser-known sign of high cholesterol that can appear in bed. Research has shown that men with high cholesterol are almost twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

Having high cholesterol means you have an excess of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood. While a certain amount of cholesterol is needed by the body, having too much can be dangerous.

This is because it can build up and clog the arteries, leading to a process known as atherosclerosis, where the blood vessels become narrowed and hardened. If not treated this can result in a heart attack or stroke.

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High cholesterol is often referred to as a silent killer as it does not typically present with any symptoms. Most people won’t realise they have high cholesterol until they undergo a blood test or suffer an associated medical episode.

However, experts have suggested that a sign that appears in the bedroom could be an indicator of high cholesterol levels. Superintendent pharmacist at the , Robert Bradshaw, explained the link between cholesterol and erectile dysfunction.

“Research consistently shows that the higher your cholesterol levels, the bigger your risk for erectile dysfunction,” he said. Robert referenced a study published in the , which found that men with total cholesterol levels above 6.21 mmol/L were almost twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction than those with levels below 4.65 mmol/L.

A separate study, published in , revealed that the type of cholesterol in the bloodstream also alters the risk for erectile dysfunction. “Men with ED have significantly higher low-density lipoprotein [“bad” cholesterol] levels than healthy individuals,” Robert said.

“Another study found that men with higher high-density lipoprotein [“good” cholesterol] levels had a much lower chance of developing erectile dysfunction than those with lower levels, even if their total cholesterol was the same. The bottom line? The higher your cholesterol, the higher your chance of having erection problems.”

He detailed that the link between cholesterol and erectile dysfunction is due to how cholesterol affects blood flow. “Because erections rely on good blood flow to the penis, anything that affects your blood vessels can also affect your ability to get and maintain an erection,” Robert wrote.

“Anyone with high cholesterol has excess fat in the blood, which can start to clump together and form deposits on the lining of the blood vessels. Over time, this damage causes the vessels to narrow and restrict blood flow.

“In the case of erectile dysfunction, reduced blood flow to the penile arteries may impair the ability to achieve or maintain an erection.” Further to this, high cholesterol can also “interfere” with the function of smooth muscles and peripheral nerves involved in the erection process.

However, having erectile dysfunction does not necessarily mean you have high cholesterol. The states that “most men occasionally fail to get or keep an erection”, if they are over the age of 40.

The health body says: “This is usually caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about. It can also be a side effect of some medicines.”

But the NHS adds that it can be affected by having high cholesterol, high , diabetes, depression or anxiety, and hormone problems.

To prevent or lower high cholesterol, you can:

• Cut back on saturated fat
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking
• Cut back on alcohol
• Take medications if prescribed by your doctor.

If you are concerned about your cholesterol or erectile dysfunction, you should speak to your GP.