title: Factors modifying the effect of blood pressure on erectile function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess factors modifying the effect of blood pressure on erectile function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine hundred and twenty-four men at risk for cardiovascular disease or diabetes, but without manifested chronic diseases, were identified in a population survey carried out in south-western Finland during 2005-2007. The main outcome measures were hypertension status, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, International Index of Erectile Function 5-item questionnaire, and Beck's Depression Inventory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  When adjusted with age, cohabiting status, waist circumference, and education, the association of hypertension and erectile dysfunction was not statistically significant. Presence of depressive symptoms increased the adjusted odds ratios of erectile dysfunction by 2.44 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57-3.80] in normotensive men, by 7.62 (95% CI 1.89-30.65) in previously undiagnosed hypertensive patients, and by 2.04 (95% CI 0.87-4.78) in medically treated hypertensive patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hypertension per se does not predispose men to erection problems. Instead, psychological factors are the critical component to consider in men suffering from erectile dysfunction.
authors: aCentral Satakunta Health Federation of Municipalities, Harjavalta bSatakunta Hospital District, Pori cInstitute of Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, University of Turku dDepartment of Urology eDepartment of Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku fUnit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki University Central Hospital gDepartment of General Practice, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
authors: Päivi Elina
authors: PE
authors: Korhonen
authors: Otto
authors: O
authors: Ettala
authors: Hannu
authors: H
authors: Kautiainen
authors: Ilkka
authors: I
authors: Kantola
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents