[Sexual activity and cardiovascular risk].
Assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction gain more importance in countries like Turkey where cardiovascular events are frequently seen in young adults. The mortality of cardiovascular events is reduced by primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA), use of new thrombolytics in acute myocardial infarction (MI), and new drugs used in the treatment of heart failure. Because of the longer life expectancy, assessment of sexual functions and rehabilitation are getting more important in these patients. Since phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE 5) have been frequently utilized in the treatment of impotence, patients' and the doctors' attention have been directed towards cardiovascular risks of sexual activity. In recent years, this topic has become more important because several reports have stated the possible relationship between the use of PDE5 inhibitors and myocardial infarction. It is known, that in patients with cardiovascular diseases, sexual activity poses a low sudden death risk independent of PDE5 inhibitor use. In this review, the points that doctors should take into account while considering and treating the sexual dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular diseases are discussed.
Koşuyolu Kalp Eğitim ve Araştirma Hastanesi, Kardiyoloji Bölümü, Istanbul, Türkiye. bboztosun@hotmail.com
Bilal
B
Boztosun
Ayhan
A
Olcay
Muzaffer
M
Değertekin
D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012307:Risk Factors; D019529:Sexuality; D017741:Survivors