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Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
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Interactions between erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular drugs
Dimitrios Terentes-Printzios1, Nikolaos Ioakeimidis2, Konstantinos Rokkas2
1Cardiovascular Diseases and Sexual Health Unit, First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. dimitristerentes@yahoo.gr.
Nature Reviews. Cardiology
|July 31, 2021
Summary
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and can predict future heart events. Screening for ED offers a simple way to improve cardiovascular health and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sexual Medicine
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Sexual health is integral to overall well-being and quality of life.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is highly prevalent in men with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Shared risk factors and pathophysiological links exist between ED and CVD, including endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of ED as an early predictor of CVD events.
- To emphasize the role of ED screening in primary and secondary CVD prevention.
- To discuss the impact of cardiovascular drugs on erectile function and adherence to therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on the relationship between ED and CVD.
- Analysis of shared risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Evaluation of the effects of cardiovascular medications on sexual function.
Main Results:
- ED serves as an independent and early harbinger of future CVD events.
- ED assessment is a low-cost prognostic tool for CVD, complementing other biomarkers.
- Cardiovascular drugs have varied effects on erectile function; some worsen it, while others are beneficial.
Conclusions:
- Incorporating sexual health assessment into routine patient history can improve CVD outcomes.
- Addressing ED can enhance patient quality of life and adherence to cardiovascular therapy.
- Physicians should consider sexual function as a crucial element in managing patients with cardiovascular disease.
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