ED-heart disease awareness campaign aims to save men’s lives

Taking the relationship between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease to a new level, American Medical Systems has launched a campaign to “Save 100 Additional Lives” through heightened patient awareness about the issue of ED as a potential detector of heart and vascular disease. The program was initiated recently through physician outreach by leading cardiologists and urologists in the Chicago area.

Dozens of area physicians have signed a pledge to bring the “Save 100 Additional Lives” program into their medical practices, according to AMS. The pledge covers the presentation of in-office posters, brochures, and health inventories to every patient during the month of June, which is designated as Men’s Health Month. In addition, the physicians agree to discuss the issue of ED and its increased risk of heart disease/stroke, host a Men’s Health Seminar to raise community awareness, enhance outreach between cardiologists and urologists within their practices, and work with hospital administrators to enhance communal education.

The relationship between ED and cardiovascular disease is a frequent topic of studies around the world, and researchers say ED must be seen as a presenting symptom that should signal need for cardiovascular risk assessment. AMS said it is encouraging medical practitioners around the country to reach out to local company representatives to participate in the “Save 100 Additional Lives” program and support the initiatives being undertaken to mark Men’s Health Month.