Is erectile dysfunction really a clinically useful predictor of cardiovascular disease?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the possible connection between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in one of its more severe forms, namely myocardial infarction (MI).


METHODS
The incidence of ED in men hospitalized due to MI (n=100) was compared with that reported in a questionnaire sent to an age-matched control population (n=129).


RESULTS
The incidence of ED before MI (34%) was similar to that in the control population (30%). After MI, 53% reported ED. Smoking was much more common among the men with MI (82%) than among the controls (45%). Smoking was, however, only slightly more common among controls with (50%) than without (40%) ED. None of the men in the study group had consulted a physician due to ED before the MI and only 10/53 (19%) with ED after the MI had consulted a physician for this reason. Among the controls without a history of CVD, 18% reported ED, compared to 34% of the men before the MI but without clinical evidence of CVD and/or diabetes (p=NS).


CONCLUSIONS
The well-known association between CVD and ED was confirmed. However, the lack of a sharp rise in the prevalence of ED prior to MI does not support the idea that ED is a clinically useful predictor of MI.
Ströberg
Peter
P
Department of Urology, Kärnsjukhuset, SE-541 85 Skövde, Sweden.
Frick
Erik
E
Hedelin
Hans
H
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires