OBJECTIVE: Data on sexual disfunction (SD) after myocardial infarction (MI) are sketchy, especially in our community and in regard to predictors. Both males and females, with active sexual life and no sexual dysfunction prior to MI were evaluated in order to investigate SD incidence after MI, as well as to identify the possible variables associated. METHODS: Forty-three patients were studied consecutively, through structured questionnaires for SD and psychological disorders (PD) diagnosis. The interference of classic risk factors was analysed for atherosclerosis, for PD and for the use of medications when SD was present up to month 6 after MI. RESULTS: After MI, 91% of patients resumed sexual activity. Twenty-six patients (60%) reported sexual dysfunction up to month 6 from hospital discharge (9 with precocious ejaculation (PE), 15 with erectile dysfunction (ED), and 20 with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). PD patients reported sexual dysfunction at higher frequency as compared to those who did not report PD (100%x47%, p=0.001). The sexual dysfunction group was significantly older than the group not reporting sexual dysfunction: 53±8.9 years of age versus 47±8.7 years of age (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Patients reported significant reduction of sexual activity frequency and high incidence of SD after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). PD and older age were shown to be associated to higher incidence of post-infarction SD.
sexual dysfunction; acute myocardial infarction (AMI); psychological disorders; ageing
