Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction during mid-life may be more likely to develop heart disease, according to a new study.

Research conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that men who experienced erectile dysfunction (ED) at any point in their life were 80 percent more likely to have heart disease, compared with those who did not face ED.

In particular, men aged 40 to 49 with ED were shown to be twice as likely to develop heart disease later in life.

“The highest risk for coronary heart disease was in younger men,” explained researcher Jennifer St. Sauver.

She said that doctors and patients should consider ED a potential indicator of heart problems in the future and discuss which health resources are best for addressing the problem.

As part of the study, more than 1,400 men without heart disease were monitored every two years for a decade. They were asked about their sexual health, while their cardiovascular health was assessed separately.

Although a link was established between ED and heart disease, the research did not explore possible reasons for the connection.

Some experts have suggested that the two conditions may both be caused by a buildup of plaque, which can affect the arteries in both the penis and heart.