Limitations of sexual activity in patients with chronic heart failure. (25th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barquinha, S; Alves, J.A; Franco, C.F; Trindade, M.T; Silva, T.P.S; Goncalves, A.P.G; Ferreira, V.F; Moreira, R.M; Timoteo, A.T.T; Soares, R.S; Ferreira, R.F
• Is Part Of: European heart journal. Volume 41:(2020)Supplement 2
• Publication Date: 2020-11-25
• Subjects: Chronic Heart Failure: Lifestyle Modification; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-668X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Limitation of sexual activity may potentially have a great impact in the quality of life of patients with chronic heart failure (HF), although the burden of sexual limitation and its clinical drivers are not completely understood. We aimed to characterize the impact of sexual limitation and how it relates to different measures of HF severity, in patients with HF. Methods: We prospectively selected a cohort of patients followed in our ambulatory HF Clinics, with HF and currently or previously documented left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40%, aged between 18 and 80 years, with NYHA class I-IV. Clinical, laboratorial, imaging and ergometric data was collected. A questionnaire characterizing sexual activity of the patient was filled by her/himself before consultation with the physician, while alone in a private room. Results: A total of 65 patients were selected, 75% of which were male, with mean age 61±11 years, 32% were in NYHA I or II, and 21% had a resynchronization system. Mean BNP was 520±850 pg/mL, LVEF was 39±12% and peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) was 17.2±5.3 mL/min/m 2 . Limitations of sexual activity were reported in 40 (62%) patients, including erectile dysfunction (25%), fatigue (11%), reduction of libidum (8%), fear of HF symptoms during sexual activity (5%), absence of sexual partner (5%), and other reasons (8%). Of these 40 patients, 22 (55%) reported severe or very severe sexual limitation. Only 2 (3%) patients actively searched for clinical aid. Patients with sexual limitations were older (63±12 vs 56±11 years), were in higher NYHA classes (One-Way ANNOVA), had higher levels of BNP (775±1051 vs 181±212 pg/mL) and lower glomerular filtration rates (66±19 vs 86±23 mL/min) (all p<0.05). Other major variables such as ischemic etiology, diabetes, resynchronization therapy, LVEF and pVO2 were not associated with the presence or severity of sexual limitations, although there was a numerical trend for lower pVO2 (16.5±5.8 vs 19.0±4.0 mL/l/min/m 2, p=0.20). NYHA class ≥II (β 6.5, 95% CI 0.4–10.5) and BNP levels (β 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.06) were independent predictors of sexual dysfunction. Conclusions: Sexual limitation was highly prevalent among patients with HF, was often severe and the most frequent reason was erectile dysfunction. Simple and highly accessible parameters, such as age, NYHA class, BNP levels and renal function, are related to the presence of sexual limitation. More attention should be payed to sexual limitation in patients with HF considering the high burden and the large room for improvement. Funding Acknowledgement: Type of funding source: None