Sexual dysfunction in males with systolic heart failure and associated factors

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain the adequate erection for intercourse. Heart failure is a major risk factor for erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with erectile dysfunction in systolic heart failure. Methods: In a cross-sectional study ۱۰۰ male patients with systolic heart failure were selected using convenience sampling method. IIEF-۵ questionnaire (the International Index of Erectile Function, ۵-item version), MLHFQ (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) and CES-D (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) were used to obtain data. Results: Mean score of erectile dysfunction was ۱۴.۰۲ ± ۶.۲۶ and ۸۰% of heart failure patient had erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction was significantly associated with age (P < ۰.۰۰۱), education (P = ۰.۰۱۹), occupation (P = ۰.۰۰۲), hemoglobin level (P = ۰.۰۰۳), left ventricular ejection fraction (P = ۰.۰۳۰), cholesterol level (P = ۰.۰۰۱), renal dysfunction (P = ۰.۰۰۹), use of digoxin (P = ۰.۰۱۴), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (P < ۰.۰۰۱), beta blocker (P = ۰.۰۰۱), diuretics (P = ۰.۰۳۵), depression (P < ۰.۰۰۱) and quality of life (P < ۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: Erectile dysfunction (ED) was common in systolic heart failure and was associated with age, medical conditions, co morbidities, drugs for treatment and psychological disorders. In heart failure patients erectile dysfunction had negative impact on quality of life. Keywords: Heart Failure, Erectile Dysfunction, Depression, Quality of Life.