ED as CVD risk marker?

The recent publication:
Michael O’Riordan. ED predicts future CVD but doesn’t add beyond traditional risk factors. theheart.org. [Clinical Conditions > Prevention > Prevention]; Jan 19, 2010. Accessed at http://www.theheart.org/article/1041169.do on Jan 22, 2010

I think at present, ED, is not a marker of CVD, but ED is a CVD equivalent? Just like DM is coronary artery disease equivalent.

Our local study confirmed the higher risk profile of patients with ED, as compared to normal population. In fact, ED patients posses similar risk profiles to those patients presenting with MI.

Furthermore, over 57% of our ED patients have 3 or more CVD risk factors, and a majority have elevated hsCRP, putting them at high future risk of developing overt CVD