Sexual Rehabilitation Interventions for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Scoping Review

This study systematically synthesizes the types, core components, and implementation characteristics of sexual rehabilitation interventions for patients with cardiovascular disease to inform the integration of sexual rehabilitation into cardiac rehabilitation and guide clinical practice.

A scoping review methodology was employed, following the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang Data were systematically searched from January 2000 to December 2025. Based on the Population-Concept-Context framework, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Literature screening, data extraction, and evidence mapping were performed.

A total of 29 studies were included: original research, systematic reviews, guidelines, scientific statements and research protocols. The included evidence primarily focused on patients with myocardial infarction or coronary heart disease and those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, with some studies also involving patients' partners. Interventions were categorized into four types: (1) guidance-based interventions centered on sexual education and counseling; (2) psychological and behavioral interventions; (3) couple-based interventions; and (4) comprehensive rehabilitation integrated with cardiac rehabilitation. Most interventions were delivered by nurses or multidisciplinary teams, primarily through face-to-face interactions, with some utilizing remote methods like phone calls, video consultations, and mobile applications.

Current sexual rehabilitation interventions mainly focus on sexual health education and counseling, while psychological and behavioral interventions and partner-assisted interventions have also been explored, with favorable outcomes reported in some studies. However, sexual rehabilitation remains fragmented and lacks integration into cardiac rehabilitation systems. Future research should promote standardization, explore integrated models, and leverage digital health technologies for individualized care.