title: Sexual activity and concerns in people with coronary heart disease from a population-based study.
abstract: Sexual activity is a central component of intimate relationships, but sexual function may be impaired by coronary heart disease (CHD). There have been few representative population-based comparisons of sexual behaviour and concerns in people with and without CHD. We therefore investigated these issues in a large nationally representative sample of older people.
  
  
  
  We analysed cross-sectional data from 2979 men and 3711 women aged 50 and older from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Sexual behaviour and concerns were assessed by validated self-completion questionnaire and analyses were weighted for non-response. Covariates included age, partnerships status and comorbidities.
  
  
  
  There were 376 men and 279 women with CHD. Men with CHD were less likely to be sexually active (68.7% vs 80.0%, adjusted OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.81), thought less about sex (74.7% vs 81.9%, OR 0.72, CI 0.54 to 0.95), and reported more erectile difficulties (47.4% vs 38.1%, OR 1.46, CI 1.10 to 1.93) than men without CHD. Effects were more pronounced among those diagnosed within the past 4 years. Women diagnosed <4 years ago were also less likely to be sexually active (35.4% vs 55.6%, OR 0.44, CI 0.23 to 0.84). There were few differences in concerns about sexual activity. Cardiovascular medication showed weak associations with erectile dysfunction.
  
  
  
  There is an association between CHD and sexual activity, particularly among men, but the impact of CHD is limited. More effective advice after diagnosis might reverse the reduction in sexual activity, leading to improved quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steptoe
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wardle
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010410:Penile Erection; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents