Sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review of prevalence

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular diseases. An article search of the ISI Web of Science and PubMed databases using the search terms "sexual dysfunction”, “cardiovascular diseases”, “coronary artery disease", “myocardial infarct" and “prevalence” was performed.In total, 893 references were found. Non-English-language and repeated references were excluded. After an abstract analysis, 91 references were included for full-text reading, and 24 articles that evaluated sexual function using validated instruments were selected for this review. This research was conducted in October 2012, and no time restrictions were placed on any of the database searches. Reviews and theoretical articles were excluded; only clinical trials and epidemiological studies were selected for this review.The studies were mostly cross-sectional, observational and case-control in nature; other studies used prospective cohort or randomized clinical designs. In women, all domains of sexual function (desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual dissatisfaction and pain) were affected. The domains prevalent in men included erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation and orgasm.Sexual dysfunction was related to the severity of cardiovascular disease. When they resumed sexual activity, patients with heart disease reported significant difficulty, including a lack of interest in sex, sexual dissatisfaction and a decrease in the frequency of sexual activity.

Effects of Saffron Aqueous Extract and Its Main Constituent, Crocin, on Health-Related Quality of Life, Depression, and Sexual Desire in Coronary Artery Disease Patients: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Reduced sexual activity and satisfaction, erection problems, and orgasmic problems have been described in these patients (36). The patients in the present study also reported similar difficulties (data not shown).…”

Association of atrial fibrillation and erectile dysfunction

“…This is a situation that increases likelihood that bias. Significant relation between erectile dysfunction and presence of these diseases has already shown in previous studies [2][3][4][5][6].…”

“…For instance, many patients with atrial fibrillation use antihypertensive or antiarrhythmic drugs. And in various studies, it has shown that these drugs might cause erectile dysfunction [2][3][4][5][6][7]. It might be useful if the authors could provide further information on this issue.…”

Erectile Dysfunction Severity and SYNTAX Score in Coronary Artery Disease

“…Using the SS is beneficial both for objective risk stratification in patients and for providing optimal revascularization strategy by enhancing collaboration between a surgeon and a cardiologist [9]. It has been reported that ED is present in 46% of males with CAD and that there is a correlation between severity of CAD and ED [3]. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between ED severity and SS in patients with CAD who underwent coronary angiography.…”

“…Besides, CVD comprises many risk factors for sexual dysfunction. In individuals with CVD, pathological processes influencing vascular configurations also influence the arteries that provide blood supply to the genital organs and lead to high rates of sexual dysfunction both in males and females [3]. In the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines, ED is defined as "the persistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance" [4].…”