Erectile dysfunction: a signal that heart trouble could be ahead

For most men unable to obtain or sustain an erection, it can be embarrassing to even utter words-erectile dysfunction. Also known as "impotence," erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined by the Mayo Clinic as "the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex."

First, the facts: erectile dysfunction is very prevalent in America.

One study concluded that about 52 percent of men in America experience some degree of impotence. Another study reported that approximately 30 million men are impacted by ED. And while it may not be the case for everyone experiencing some form of impotence, ED c...