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Cardiologists' discussions about sexuality with patients with chronic coronary artery disease

Susanna E Bedell1, Melissa Duperval, Robert Goldberg

  • 1Lown Cardiovascular Center, Brookline, Mass 02446, USA.

American Heart Journal
|August 15, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Patients with coronary disease want cardiologists to discuss sexuality. However, current practice inadequately addresses sexual health concerns, particularly for women, impacting their quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Sexual Health
  • Quality of Life

Background:

  • Sexuality significantly impacts quality of life and can be affected by coronary disease.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding patient expectations for cardiologist counseling on sexual health.
  • Coronary disease patients desire discussions about sexuality with their healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess patient expectations for cardiologists discussing sexuality.
  • To compare patient preferences with current clinical practices regarding sexual health counseling.
  • To identify disparities in sexual health discussions between male and female patients with coronary disease.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire survey was administered to 236 patients (48 women, 188 men) with known coronary disease.
  • Patient responses were analyzed to determine expectations for sexual health counseling.
  • Chart reviews were conducted to examine existing clinical practices related to sexual health discussions.

Main Results:

  • The majority of patients believe cardiologists should discuss sexual functioning.
  • A small percentage of patients (3% men, 18% women) felt adequately informed about their sexual health.
  • Cardiologists were more likely to discuss sexual dysfunction with male patients (43%) than female patients (13%).

Conclusions:

  • Patients are receptive to discussing sexual function with their cardiologists.
  • Enhanced attention to sexual health is crucial for improving quality of life in coronary disease patients.
  • Particular focus is needed on addressing the sexual health needs of women with coronary disease.
Abstract

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