Erectile dysfunction and atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Urology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia.
• Erectile dysfunction (ED) significantly impacts quality of life.
• The relationship between AF and ED requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the pooled prevalence and incidence of ED in patients with AF.
• To assess the risk of ED associated with AF.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted.
• Included studies reported ED prevalence/incidence in AF patients or the association between AF and ED.
• Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random-effects model.

Main Results:

• Five observational studies (27,841 patients) were analyzed.
• The pooled prevalence of ED in AF patients was 57% (95% CI: 50-64).
• AF was significantly associated with an increased risk of ED (pooled OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.44-2.23).
• The incidence of newly diagnosed ED in AF patients was 0.96%.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between atrial fibrillation and erectile dysfunction.
• Over half of atrial fibrillation patients experience erectile dysfunction.
• While the prevalence is high, the incidence of new erectile dysfunction in AF patients appears low.