Atherosclerosis, is the hardening in the arteries as a result of a build-up of plaque containing cholesterol, fat-laden materials and cellular debris. Today, most people are aware that smoking and the consumption of fat-laden foods lead to the production of these plaques that end up clogging arteries, thus preventing the easy flow of blood to the heart and other parts of the body.

Atherosclerosis is a process that occurs systematically throughout the whole body, and is not just confined to the arteries supplying the heart. And most men are not aware that these same plaques can also block up the arteries leading to the genitals resulting in the difficulty, or inability, to attain an erection.

Artherosclerosis restricts the supply of blood to the penis and also to the nerves that govern sexual arousal, thereby resulting in a failure in the man 'to perform'.

Men with diseased coronary arteries are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than those individuals free from coronary disease.

If erectile dysfunction / impotence in a man is caused by the clogged-up blood vessels of atherosclerosis, it is imperative that the man reduces the cardiovascular risks of elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and a general lack of physical exercise.

Adopting a diet low in fat, an exercise program, and a healthy lifestyle that includes stopping smoking, is necessary to help reverse the problem.