Erectile dysfunction: a significant health need in patients with coronary heart disease.
OBJECTIVE
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition, which negatively affects quality of life, and shares similar risk factors with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Studies from the pre - sildenafil era confirm a higher risk of ED in patients with cardiovascular disease. The high profile and success of sildenafil therapy has made it easier for some men to discuss erectile difficulties with healthcare professionals. Our aim therefore was to estimate the prevalence of ED in our cardiac rehabilitation patients .


RESULTS
We surveyed 150 random male cardiac rehabilitation patients using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. 61% of all respondents had erectile difficulties, rising to 75% in the over 55 age group. 48% of respondents indicated their wish to discuss erectile problems with the healthcare team.


CONCLUSIONS
ED and CHD commonly co-exist. A large proportion of our respondents wished further discussion of erectile insufficiency. We recommend that cardiac rehabilitation programmes should adopt a proactive approach to detection and treatment of ED.
Hood
S
S
Cardiology Department, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley.
Robertson
I
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D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires