Proceedings of PRINCETON IV: PDE5 inhibitors and cardiac health symposium

Prior consensus meetings have addressed the relationship between phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibition and cardiac health. Given significant accumulation of new data in the past decade, a fourth consensus conference on this topic was convened in Pasadena, California, on March 10 and 11, 2023.

Our meeting aimed to update existing knowledge, assess current guidelines, and make recommendations for future research and practice in this area.

An expert panel reviewed existing research and clinical practice guidelines.

Key findings and clinical recommendations are the following: First, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a risk marker and enhancer for cardiovascular (CV) disease. For men with ED and intermediate levels of CV risk, coronary artery calcium (CAC) computed tomography should be considered in addition to previous management algorithms. Second, sexual activity is generally safe for men with ED, although stress testing should still be considered for men with reduced exercise tolerance or ischemia. Third, the safety of PDE5 inhibitor use with concomitant medications was reviewed in depth, particularly concomitant use with nitrates or alpha-blockers. With rare exceptions, PDE5 inhibitors can be safely used in men being treated for hypertension, lower urinary tract symptoms and other common male disorders. Fourth, for men unresponsive to oral therapy or with absolute contraindications for PDE5 inhibitor administration, multiple treatment options can be selected. These were reviewed in depth with clinical recommendations. Fifth, evidence from retrospective studies points strongly toward cardioprotective effects of chronic PDE5-inhibitor use in men. Decreased rates of adverse cardiac outcomes in men taking PDE-5 inhibitors has been consistently reported from multiple studies. Sixth, recommendations were made regarding over-the-counter access and potential risks of dietary supplement adulteration. Seventh, although limited data exist in women, PDE5 inhibitors are generally safe and are being tested for use in multiple new indications.

Studies support the overall cardiovascular safety of the PDE5 inhibitors. New indications and applications were reviewed in depth.