Men with Erectile Dysfunction More Likely to Have High Blood Pressure

Main Category: Erectile Dysfunction / Premature Ejaculation
Article Date: 11 May 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) are 38 percent more likely to have hypertension, or high blood pressure, than men without ED, according to new research.

"We've heard for some time that men who have ED may be more likely to have high blood pressure. This statistical analysis is the largest epidemiological study to confirm this link, and the first to compare men with ED - and those without - for hypertension," said lead researcher Peter Sun, M.D., M.S., Ph.D., Eli Lilly and Company.

"Because of this connection, it is all the more important for a man to overcome his hesitation or embarrassment about ED, a condition with obvious symptoms, and see his doctor. Detecting and treating hypertension, a silent disease in many, may help prevent catastrophic events, such as stroke."

ED and hypertension share a common underlying factor - the constriction of blood vessels - indicating that ED could be a sign for larger, serious health problems.

ED is often one of the first signals of poor blood flow and impaired circulation in the body. While ED is a noticeable disorder, hypertension is often silent and unknown to the patient. According to the American Heart Association, one in four adults in America has high blood pressure, with 33 percent of men affected.

Of those with high blood pressure, 30 percent are unaware they have the condition.1 ED, the consistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, affects an estimated 20 - 30 million men in America with varying severity.2

"Thanks to the recent availability of more ED treatment options, increasing numbers of men are seeking help for their sexual health," said Louis Kuritzky, M.D., family physician, clinical assistant professor, University of Florida. "Visiting their healthcare professional for this condition is a perfect opportunity for a thorough examination of related conditions, including hypertension."

Lilly ICOS LLC, a joint venture between Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and ICOS Corporation (Nasdaq: ICOS), is marketing oral ED therapy Cialis® (tadalafil). Lilly ICOS coordinated an extensive statistical analysis of 51 national managed health care plans to compile evidence confirming ED patients are more likely to have hypertension than those without ED. The study was presented today at the 99th Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

Study Design & Population

The statistical analysis compared hypertension rates among men with ED (285,436) in managed-care health plans and men without ED (1,584,230). The findings revealed that 41.2 percent of men with ED also had hypertension, compared to 19.2 percent of men without ED. Compiled from 1995 to 2002, the data came from a large national managed-care health plan claims database, which covered 28 million members from 51 health plans across the country. All subjects with ED were health plan members who had an ED diagnosis or ED treatment at or after age 18. The non-ED subjects consisted of male health plan members who were 18 years of age or older and never had an ED diagnosis or treatment. Researchers then examined the data for the effect of ED on the likelihood of having hypertension, controlling for age, geographical regions, and nine common comorbid conditions. Both prevalence rate difference (between men with ED and those without) and the odds ratio of having hypertension were calculated.

About Cialis

Cialis, approved by the FDA in November 2003 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, is the first oral ED treatment shown to improve erectile function up to 36 hours in most men. Cialis can be taken without regard to food. The absorption of Cialis is not affected by food, including high-fat foods. Cialis is currently available in more than 55 countries including Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United States and countries throughout Europe. Nearly two million patients have been treated with Cialis since its first introduction in February 2003.

Cialis is available by prescription only and is not for everyone. Men taking nitrates, often used for chest pain, or certain alpha-blockers for prostate problems or high blood pressure, should not take Cialis. Such combinations could cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Men should discuss their health status with their doctors to ensure Cialis is right for them and that they are healthy enough for sexual activity.

The most common side effects with Cialis were headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. Although rare, men who experience an erection for more than four hours should seek immediate medical attention. Men should not drink alcohol in excess with Cialis. Cialis studies were not designed to assess multiple intercourse attempts after a single dose.

For full patient information, visit www.cialis.com.

About ED

ED is defined as the consistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. ED affects an estimated 152 million men and their partners worldwide.3 Experts believe that 80 - 90 percent of ED cases are related to a physical or medical condition, like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, while 10 - 20 percent are due to psychological causes.4,5 In many cases, however, both psychological and physical factors contribute to the condition.6

About Lilly ICOS LLC

Lilly ICOS LLC, a joint venture between ICOS Corporation and Eli Lilly and Company, developed tadalafil for the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

ICOS Corporation, a biotechnology company, is dedicated to bringing innovative therapeutics to patients. Headquartered in Bothell, Wash., ICOS is marketing its first product, Cialis (tadalafil), for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. ICOS is working to develop treatments for serious unmet medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Except for historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry, management beliefs and certain assumptions made by the management of ICOS and Lilly. Investors are cautioned that matters subject to forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including economic, competitive, governmental, technological, legal and other factors discussed in the two companies' respective filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which may affect the business and prospects of the two companies and Lilly ICOS. Results and the timing and outcome of events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. More specifically, there can be no assurance that Cialis will achieve commercial success or that competing products will not pre-empt market opportunities that might exist for the product.

References

1. American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2004 Update. Dallas, Texas: American Heart Association; 2003. ©2003, American Heart Association. 2. NIH Consensus Development Panel on Impotence. NIH Consensus Conference. Impotence. JAMA. 1993:270:83-90.

3. Aytac IA, McKinlay JB, Krane RJ. The Likely Worldwide Increase in Erectile Dysfunction Between 1995 and 2025 and Some Possible Policy Consequences. BJU Int 1999; 84: 50-56.

4. Shabsigh, R. (2002). Back To Great Sex: Overcome ED and Reclaim Lost Intimacy. New York: Kensington.

Diseases and Conditions: Impotence, http://www.impotence.org/FAQ/index.asp. Data accessed 11.20.03

5. Lue, Tom F. Erectile Dysfunction. N Engl J Med 2000 342: 1802-1813