The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men attending cardiac rehabilitation: an audit in East London. Issue 1 (25th April 2016) - Williams, Paul
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED), how it is perceived and the percentage seeking treatment for the condition in a population of men with cardiovascular disease (CVD) attending a cardiac rehabilitation programme in East London, UK. One hundred male subjects aged between 30 and 88 years attending a cardiac rehabilitation centre in East London participated in the study. An audit of men attending a cardiac rehabilitation programme was conducted. Participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) to ascertain the severity of ED, an adapted 'bother score' item from the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to investigate the extent to which participants were bothered by the symptoms of their ED and questions related to both ED treatment‐seeking and beliefs about the impact of cardiac medication on ED. Demographic and clinical data were also collected. The audit was carried out between January and September 2014. Out of 117 male participants, 100 were audited (85·5% uptake). Prevalence of ED in this cohort was 80%, and 38% were suffering with moderate or severe ED. Older men had significantly higher levels of ED, and participants with severe ED were significantly more bothered by their condition. Those of Asian or British Asian descent reported significantly higher levels of ED severity than men from white ethnic backgrounds. Sixty‐five percent of men with ED had never spoken to a health care professional (HCP) about the condition, and 35% believed that their medication had a deleterious effect on erectile function. High incidences of ED remain undetected in this patient population. The study stresses the importance for HCPs to discuss ED with patients within primary care and cardiac rehabilitation programmes, which in turn could reduce mortality in those at risk of a future cardiac event as well as facilitate access to ED treatment.