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Perceived sexual difficulties and associated factors in patients with heart failure

Tialda Hoekstra1, Tiny Jaarsma, Robbert Sanderman

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands. t.hoekstra@thorax.umcg.nl

American Heart Journal
|February 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Sexual difficulties are common in heart failure (HF) patients, affecting nearly half at discharge and persisting long-term. Younger age, male gender, and lower quality of life are linked to these issues.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Sexual Health
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Sexual dysfunction is increasingly prevalent in heart failure (HF) patients.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding factors influencing sexual activity difficulties and their progression in HF.
  • This study addresses the demographic, clinical, and quality of life (QoL) correlates of sexual difficulties in HF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and persistence of sexual activity difficulties in patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF).
  • To identify demographic, clinical, and QoL factors associated with sexual difficulties in HF patients.
  • To examine the longitudinal course of sexual difficulties over 18 months post-discharge.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 792 heart failure patients (mean age 69, 35% female, LVEF 33%) were assessed at 1 and 18 months post-hospitalization.
  • Sexual difficulties were evaluated using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire's sexuality question.
  • Demographic data, clinical factors, and QoL were collected via medical records and validated questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • 48% of patients reported sexual difficulties at 1 month, with 70% still experiencing them at 18 months.
  • An additional 27% developed sexual difficulties during the follow-up period.
  • Living with a partner, younger age, male gender, and higher physical/emotional QoL and overall well-being were independently associated with sexual difficulties.

Conclusions:

  • Sexual activity difficulties are highly prevalent and persistent in heart failure patients, particularly affecting younger males.
  • These difficulties are associated with significantly lower quality of life and overall well-being.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehensive HF patient care and management.
Abstract

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