Reassessing cardiovascular risk stratification in men with erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an independent and strong marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The Princeton Consensus aimed to evaluate and manage cardiovascular risk in men with ED and no known cardiovascular disease, focusing on identifying those requiring additional cardiologic work-up. It has recently been updated to the American population demographics, but European recommendations are needed.

It was developed a cross-sectional investigation including erectile dysfunction patients. Data were collected from hospital registries. Two risk stratification models were employed and compared: Princeton Consensus Criteria (PC) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) CVD Risk Criteria. The objective was to stress the importance of the changes in IV Princeton Consensus recommendations in stratifying CVD risk in men with erectile dysfunction using a model validated in European men.

A total of 137 patients with ED, with a mean age of 57.1 years old, were included. According to the PC criteria, 39.7% of the patients were "Low Risk". When using ESC criteria, the proportion of "Low Risk" patients were significantly lower (12%, p < 0.05). Among "Low Risk" patients according to the PC, 52.5% and 20% were classified as High and Very high risk according to ESC criteria, respectively. One myocardial infarction was reported. The patient was classified as "Low Risk" according to the PC, but the ESC criteria categorized him as "high risk".

PC is less sensitive than ESC recommendations detecting CVD. It raises concerns that Urologists could be overlooking patients with undiagnosed CVD, consequently missing out on opportunities for prevention of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and premature deaths.