Why do patients with heart failure suffer from erectile dysfunction? A critical review and suggestions on how to approach this problem

Int J Impot Res. 2005 Dec:17 Suppl 1:S25-36. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901426.

Abstract

Chronic heart failure (HF) is an increasingly common cardiovascular disorder. The goal of health-care providers is to optimize quality of life in this population, including sexual health. Up to 75% of patients with HF report erectile dysfunction (ED). As HF is a condition with distinct physiologic sequelae, some unique organic and psychological factors contributing to ED in this patient population have been identified, along with risk factors common to the development of coronary artery disease, HF and ED. This review describes contributing factors to ED in the setting of HF and highlights treatment considerations for this distinct patient population.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Angioplasty, Balloon
  • Depression / drug therapy
  • Digoxin / therapeutic use
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / psychology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / therapy*
  • Exercise
  • Heart Failure / complications*
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Heart Failure / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use
  • Purines
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Diuretics
  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Digoxin
  • Sildenafil Citrate