A new study shows that men with erectile dysfunction appear to have an increased risk of heart attack. Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire conducting the clinical trials state that some men with erectile dysfunction had underlying cardiovascular disease. It appears that men experience erectile dysfunction four to five years prior to a heart attack. In addition to being associated with heart attacks, vascular disease-related erectile dysfunction is also linked with diabetes. The researcher’s next step is to study if statin and lipid lowering medications will help reduce the men’s risk. In the meantime, the researchers state that erectile dysfunction should not be ignored and urge men to talk to their doctors.