The prevalence of sexual dysfunction before myocardial infarction in population of Polish men: a retrospective pilot study

Abstract

Background and aim: To assess the frequency of sexual dysfunction in men before myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods: Sixty-two men with cardiovascular disease risk factors who were admitted to the hospital because of a first MI, were asked to fill the IIEF-15 questionnaire to assess sexual dysfunction before MI.

Results: Erectile dysfunction (ED), decreased orgasmic function, decreased sexual desire, decreased intercourse satisfaction, and decreased overall satisfaction were reported by 51.6%, 14.5%, 50%, 69.4%, and 48.4% of men, respectively. Men with ED had significantly higher serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels than men without ED (5.8 mg/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.3–21.7) vs. 4.6 mg/L, 95% CI 3.0–11.3; p = 0.01). Men with decreased orgasmic function had significantly higher serum triglyceride levels (259.5 mg/dL, 95% CI 176.9–362.1 vs. 150 mg/dL, 95% CI 146.8–187.4; p = 0.01), and men with normal sexual desire had significantly higher serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels than men with decreased sexual desire (41 mg/dL, 95% CI 39.9–47.8 vs. 36 mg/dL, 95% CI 34.1–40.5; p = 0.01). Men with decreased sexual desire had significantly higher serum CRP levels (7 mg/L, 95% CI 7.7–21.4 vs. 5 mg/L, 95% CI 3.6–12.1; p = 0.03).

Conclusions: 1. ED was present in more than half of men before MI and it may be the first symptom of coronary artery disease. 2. Men with ED and decreased sexual desire have higher serum CRP levels in the acute peri-infarction period. 3. Serum triglyceride level is a factor that significantly affects orgasmic function, and serum HDL cholesterol level is a factor that significantly affects sexual desire.