title: Sexual functioning post-myocardial infarction: effects of beta-blockers, psychological status and safety information.
abstract: Impaired sexual functioning limits the quality of life of 34-75% of post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. This study examined the effects of three factors: (a) beta-blocker intake, (b) psychological distress, and (c) information about safety of sexual activity, on post-MI decreased sexual functioning. Sixty-three male post-MI, post-cardiac rehabilitation patients and their spouses participated in the study. Analyses of partial variance were conducted to test for the effect of each factor on sexual functioning. Controlling for age, results revealed that patients' psychological distress explained uniquely 24% of the variance on decreased post-MI sexual activity (p < 0.002). Beta-blocker intake and message received with regard to sexual activity safety were not significant predictors of observed changes. Interdisciplinary assessments and interventions are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Behavioral Medicine Unit (Department of Psychiatry), Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Rosal
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Downing
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Littman
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Ahern
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists