The mutually reinforcing triad of depressive symptoms, cardiovascular disease, and erectile dysfunction.

The conditions of depression, erectile dysfunction (ED), and cardiovascular disease may seem at a superficial level as independent medical problems managed by 3 separate and unrelated healthcare disciplines. Various studies, however, have revealed significant associations between depression and cardiovascular disease, ED and cardiovascular disease, and depression and ED. The purpose of this research was to identify whether the 3 medical conditions share mutually reinforcing associations and predictors. Population-based epidemiologic studies were utilized where possible. Variables including age, heart disease, hypertension, sedentary behavior, related medications, cigarette smoking, and abnormal lipids have been found to be highly associated with depressive symptoms, cardiovascular disease, and ED. It was concluded that all 3 medical conditions share many of the same risk factors and etiologic associations and may be best modeled in a 3-way holistic, mutually reinforcing relation. Of particular relevance, patients with sexual dysfunction have a likely comorbidity of cardiovascular disease and depression, as well as the potential increased risk for cardiac morbidity and mortality.