Erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease prediction: evidence-based guidance and consensus

Association between treatment for erectile dysfunction and death or cardiovascular outcomes after myocardial infarction

Objective

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy men. However, the association between treatment for ED and death or cardiovascular outcomes after a first myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown.

Methods

In a Swedish nationwide cohort study all men <80 years of age without prior MI, or cardiac revascularisation, hospitalised for MI during 2007–2013 were included. Treatment for ED, defined as dispensed phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors or alprostadil, was related to risk of death, MI, cardiac revascularisation or heart failure.

Results

Forty-three thousand one hundred and forty-five men with mean age 64 (±10) years were included, of whom 7.1% had ED medication dispensed during a mean 3.3 years (141 739 person-years) of follow­-up. Men with, compared with those without treatment for ED, had a 33% lower mortality (adjusted HR 0.67 (95%CI 0.55 to ­0.81)), and 40% lower risk of hospitalisation for heart failure (HR 0.60 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.82)). There was no association between treatment with alprostadil and mortality. The adjusted risk of death in men with 1, 2–5 and >5 dispensed prescriptions of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors was reduced by 34% (HR 0.66 (95% CI 0.38 to 1.15), 53% (HR 0.47 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.87) and 81% (HR 0.19 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.45), respectively, when compared with alprostadil treatment.

Conclusions

Treatment for ED after a first MI was associated with a reduced mortality and heart failure hospitalisation. Only men treated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors had a reduced risk, which appeared to be dose-dependent.

Testosterone Threshold for Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Middle-Aged and Elderly Men: A Locally Weighted Regression Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Although testosterone deficiency has a well-known association with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the threshold remains to be determined.

AIM

To investigate whether there is a discriminatory testosterone level below which the CVD risk increases.

METHODS

The study included 876 men 45 to 74 years old who underwent a general health checkup. The Framingham Risk Score was used to estimate the 10-year CVD risk; a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level of at least 1 mg/L was considered an indicator of increased CVD risk. Aging symptoms and sexual function were evaluated with the Aging Males' Symptom Scale.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Locally weighted regression was performed to determine the testosterone threshold for Framingham CVD risk and increased hsCRP.

RESULTS

The mean age was 56.6 ± 7.0 years. The mean total testosterone level was 394.3 ± 115.7 ng/dL. The mean 10-year Framingham CVD risk was 16.6 ± 10.7%, and 169 (19.3%) had increased hsCRP. The locally weighted regression showed that total testosterone levels of 440 and 480 ng/dL were associated with increased Framingham CVD risk and an increased probability of increased hsCRP, respectively. Men with sexual dysfunction (poor sexual performance, decreased morning erection, and loss of libido) had significantly greater CVD risk. Their risk appeared to increase at a relatively higher testosterone level, and it reached a plateau at a testosterone level of 300 to 350 ng/dL. In contrast, the risk in those with no or less sexual dysfunction remained low at a higher testosterone level, and a threshold level of 425 to 475 ng/dL was associated with increased CVD risk. A similar pattern and threshold were identified in the analyses of the relation between testosterone and hsCRP.

CONCLUSION

These data showed that a testosterone threshold of 440 ng/dL was associated with increased Framingham 10-year CVD risk in middle-aged and elderly men. Poor sexual performance, decreased morning erection, and loss of libido had an impact on the testosterone threshold for CVD risk. The threshold level was higher in men with sexual dysfunction. Further study is required to evaluate the validity of these testosterone thresholds for CVD risk.

Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction and Associated Factors in Korean Older Adults With Coronary Artery Disease

The current study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of erectile dysfunction (ED) among 161 Korean adults 60 and older with coronary artery disease (CAD). ED was diagnosed in 72.2% of patients-the prevalence of which was significantly associated with age, education, employment, monthly income, frequency of sexual intercourse, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was lower in patients with ED than in those without ED (p < 0.001). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that ED significantly influenced HRQoL in patients with CAD after adjusting for sociodemographic and disease-related characteristic variables (p < 0.001). Interventions and training courses for health care providers should focus on improving caregivers' knowledge and communication skills with patients and spouses regarding sexual health. Furthermore, guidelines to improve HRQoL in patients with CAD should consider incorporating sexual counseling. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(10), 32-41.].

Relation Between Erectile Dysfunction and Silent Myocardial Ischemia in Diabetic Patients: A Multidetector Computed Tomographic Coronary Angiographic Study

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can precede coronary artery disease. In addition, silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) is more common in diabetic patients and is a strong predictor of cardiac events and death.

AIM

To evaluate the presence of SMI in patients with diabetes and ED using multidetector computed tomographic coronary angiography (MDCT-CA).

METHODS

This study evaluated patients with diabetes and ED without any history of cardiac symptoms or signs. Erectile function was evaluated with the Sexual Health Inventory for Men score, erection hardness score (EHS), and maximal penile circumferential change by an erectometer. MDCT-CA was used for the detection of coronary artery stenosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sexual Health Inventory for Men score, EHS, maximal penile circumferential change, and coronary artery stenosis by MDCT-CA.

RESULTS

Of 20 patients (mean age = 61.45 ± 10.7 years), MDCT-CA showed coronary artery stenosis in 13 (65%) in the form of one-vessel disease (n = 6, 30%), two-vessel disease (n = 2, 10%), and three-vessel disease (n = 5, 25%). Fifty percent of patients showed at least 50% vessel lumen obstruction of the left anterior descending coronary artery, which was the most commonly affected vessel (55%). Fifteen percent (3 of 20) of patients had greater than 90% stenosis, and two of them underwent an immediate coronary angioplasty with stenting to prevent myocardial infarction. Maximum coronary artery stenosis was positively correlated with age (P = 0.016, r = 0.529) and negatively correlated with EHS (P = .046, r = -0.449). Multivariate regression analysis using age and EHS showed that age was the only independent predictor of SMI (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

MDCT-CA can be a useful tool to identify SMI in diabetic patients with ED, especially in those of advanced age and/or with severe ED.

Biomarkers, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk prediction: the latest of an evolving concept

A number of circulating and imaging biomarkers are robustly associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk. The overall expectation from a biomarker in the erectile dysfunction (ED) setting is to enhance the optimal management of a man with this disorder but no clinical atherosclerosis. Evidence demonstrating that these biomarkers enhance risk prediction for individuals with ED is at this stage still limited for most of them. A better identification of the subsets of the ED population that require further risk stratification, as well as the initiation of randomized trials that will formally test the ability of biomarkers to predict CV risk, could make biomarker-guided prevention an attainable goal.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia in rats is associated with erectile dysfunction by impairing endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity

To investigate the effect of hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHCy) on penile erectile function in a rat model, a methionine-rich diet was used in which erectile function, the reproductive system, and nitric oxide synthase were characterized. The intracavernous pressure, apomorphine experiments, measurement of oxidative stress, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions and measurement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity were utilized. Our results showed that erections in the middle-dose, high-dose, and interference (INF) groups were significantly lower than the control (P < 0.05). INF group, being fed with vitamins B and folic acid, demonstrated markedly improved penile erections compared with the middle-dose group (P < 0.05). HHCy-induced eNOS and phospho-eNOS protein expression was reduced and the antioxidant effect was markedly impaired. The data of the present data provide evidence that HHCy is a vascular risk factor for erectile dysfunction by impairing cavernosa endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Intake of vitamins B can alleviate this abnormality.

Mechanistic link between erectile dysfunction and systemic endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats

Men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and erectile dysfunction (ED) have greater risk of cardiovascular events than T2DM men without ED, suggesting ED as a predictor of cardiovascular events in diabetic men. However, molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction in the diabetic penis explaining these clinical observations are not known. We evaluated whether the temporal relationship between ED and endothelial dysfunction in the systemic vasculature in T2DM involves earlier redox imbalance and endothelial nitric oxidase synthase (eNOS) dysfunction in the penis than in the systemic vasculature, such as the carotid artery. Rats were rendered T2DM by high-fat diet for 2 weeks, followed by an injection with low-dose streptozotocin. After 3 weeks, erectile function (intracavernosal pressure) was measured and penes and carotid arteries were collected for molecular analyses of eNOS uncoupling, protein S-glutathionylation, oxidative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, 4-HNE), protein expression of NADPH oxidase subunit gp91(phox) , endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the carotid artery, and non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC)-mediated cavernosal relaxation. Erectile response to electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve and NANC-mediated cavernosal relaxation was decreased (p < 0.05), while relaxation of the carotid artery to acetylcholine was not impaired in T2DM rats. eNOS monomerization, protein expressions of 4-HNE and gp91(phox) , and protein S-glutathionylation, were increased (p < 0.05) in the penis, but not in the carotid artery, of T2DM compared to non-diabetic rats. In conclusion, redox imbalance, increased oxidative stress by NADPH oxidase, and eNOS uncoupling, occur early in T2DM in the penis, but not in the carotid artery. These molecular changes contribute to T2DM ED, while vascular function in the systemic vasculature remains preserved.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in urology: a systematic review of outcome in Peyronie's disease, erectile dysfunction and chronic pelvic pain

PURPOSE

The objective was to evaluate high-level evidence studies of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for urological disorders.

METHODS

We included randomized controlled trials reporting outcomes of ESWT in urology. Literature search on trials published in English using EMBASE, Medline and PubMed was carried out. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

We identified 10 trials on 3 urological indications. Two of 3 trials on Peyronie's disease (PD) involving 238 patients reported improvement in pain; however, no clinical significant changes in penile deviation and plaque size were observed. Four studies on erectile dysfunction (ED) including 337 participants were included. Using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) and erectile hardness scale (EHS) data suggested a significant positive effect of ESWT in phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE-5i) responders in 2 of 4 trials and 3 of 4 trials, respectively. Three studies on chronic pelvic pain (CPP) engaging 200 men reported positive changes in National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). There was considerable heterogeneity between trials both with regard to treatment techniques and outcome measures, making it difficult to compare results.

CONCLUSIONS

ESWT may resolve pain in PD patients, while evidence for reducing curvature and plaques size is poor. Effects of ESWT on IIEF in ED patients are inconsistent; however, data on EHS does imply that the treatment potentially may recover natural erection in PDE-5i responders. ESWT seems to be able to resolve pain in CPP patients in the short term. In all three disease entities, long-term outcome data are still warranted.

Microvascular endothelial dysfunction predicts the development of erectile dysfunction in men with coronary atherosclerosis without critical stenoses

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and all-cause mortality, independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Coronary endothelial dysfunction is independently associated with ED in men with early coronary atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate whether coronary microvascular dysfunction predicts development of ED in patients presenting with coronary atherosclerosis without critical stenoses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Coronary microvascular function was evaluated in 130 men with coronary atherosclerosis without critical stenoses by administration of intracoronary acetylcholine at the time of diagnostic study. After a mean follow-up of 8.4 years, patients were assessed for the development of ED by administration of a questionnaire.

RESULTS

In all, 68 (50%) men had microvascular endothelial dysfunction at baseline; 35 (51%) men with microvascular endothelial dysfunction developed ED on follow-up compared with 19 (31%) men without microvascular endothelial dysfunction. Men who developed ED had a lower coronary blood flow response (% [INCREMENT]CBF) compared with men who did not develop ED, with mean±SD of 25.4±71.3 versus 81.7±120 (P=0.003). In univariate analysis, microvascular endothelial dysfunction was a predictor for the development of ED, with relative risk of 2.4 (1.2-4.9) (P=0.016). In multivariate logistic regression adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, vascular disease, and family history of coronary artery disease), only microvascular endothelial dysfunction (P=0.027) and age (P=0.044) remained significant predictors of development of ED.

CONCLUSION

Coronary microvascular dysfunction is a predictor of the development of ED in men with coronary atherosclerosis without critical stenoses. This study underscores the systemic involvement of the endothelial function in vascular disease.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Men with Vascular Erectile Dysfunction: The View of the Preventive Cardiologist

Vascular erectile dysfunction is a powerful marker of increased cardiovascular risk. However, current guidelines lack specific recommendations on the role that the evaluation of vascular erectile dysfunction should play in cardiovascular risk assessment, as well on the risk stratification strategy that men with vascular erectile dysfunction should undergo. In the last 3 years, erectile dysfunction experts have made a call for more specific guidance and have proposed the selective use of several prognostic tests for further cardiovascular risk assessment in these patients. Among them, stress testing has been prioritized, whereas other tests are considered second-line tools. In this review, we provide additional perspective from the viewpoint of the preventive cardiologist. We discuss the limitations of current risk scores and the potential interplay between erectile dysfunction assessment and the use of personalized prognostic tools, such as the coronary artery calcium score, in the cardiovascular risk stratification and management of men with vascular erectile dysfunction. Finally, we present an algorithm for primary care physicians, urologists, and cardiologists to aid clinical decision-making.

Erectile dysfunction and coronary heart disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This narrative review discusses the associations of erectile dysfunction with coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality, all-cause death and CHD risk factors. Treatment strategies for erectile dysfunction are also mentioned.

RECENT FINDINGS

Erectile dysfunction shares common pathways and risk factors with vascular diseases. Erectile dysfunction has been reported to independently predict CHD events, thus highlighting its role as a marker of early atherosclerosis. Erectile dysfunction prevalence may be followed by the presentation of CHD symptoms in 2-3 years, and a CHD event may occur in 3-5 years. Furthermore, erectile dysfunction has been associated with stroke, peripheral artery disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease as well as with several CHD risk factors including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking, obesity, metabolic syndrome, hyperuricaemia, arterial stiffness and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. On the basis of these data, erectile dysfunction may be regarded as a part of polyvascular disease.

SUMMARY

Patients with erectile dysfunction are at an increased risk for CHD morbidity and/or mortality as well as for all-cause death. Clinicians should monitor patients with erectile dysfunction by assessing their vascular risk and preventing or adequately treating CHD risk factors. In this context, lifestyle interventions should be recommended in addition to drug treatment to attain better outcomes.

Antihypertensive therapy causes erectile dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Erectile dysfunction is a common sexual disorder affecting 40% of men in the United States. However, the pathophysiologic mechanism involved in the causation of erectile dysfunction is multifactorial and not well delineated.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several recent studies disclose that erectile dysfunction is the result of multiple interrelated comorbid conditions that include hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and diabetes mellitus among them. In addition to comorbid conditions, certain cardiovascular and antihypertensive drugs are also involved in the development of erectile dysfunction, with the most prominent being the thiazide type diuretics, the aldosterone receptor blockers, and the β-adrenergic receptor blockers. Also, knowledge by the patient of the drug and its action on erectile dysfunction may increase the incidence of erectile dysfunction (Hawthorn effect). Before treatment is initiated, patients should be screened for the presence of erectile dysfunction, because this condition is associated with hypertension, CAD, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and their treatment and an appropriate treatment regimen should be selected. If that fails, the addition of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors to the treatment regimen is recommended. The only exception is a patient with CAD treated with organic nitrates, in which the coadministration of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors is strictly prohibited.

SUMMARY

Knowledge of the various comorbid conditions and their treatment associated with the development of erectile dysfunction will help the caring physician to treat his patients appropriately and safely. All these aspects will be discussed in this review.

Basic Science Evidence for the Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiometabolic Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Although clinical evidence supports an association between cardiovascular/metabolic diseases (CVMD) and erectile dysfunction (ED), scientific evidence for this link is incompletely elucidated.

AIM

This study aims to provide scientific evidence for the link between CVMD and ED.

METHODS

In this White Paper, the Basic Science Committee of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America assessed the current literature on basic scientific support for a mechanistic link between ED and CVMD, and deficiencies in this regard with a critical assessment of current preclinical models of disease.

RESULTS

A link exists between ED and CVMD on several grounds: the endothelium (endothelium-derived nitric oxide and oxidative stress imbalance); smooth muscle (SM) (SM abundance and altered molecular regulation of SM contractility); autonomic innervation (autonomic neuropathy and decreased neuronal-derived nitric oxide); hormones (impaired testosterone release and actions); and metabolics (hyperlipidemia, advanced glycation end product formation).

CONCLUSION

Basic science evidence supports the link between ED and CVMD. The Committee also highlighted gaps in knowledge and provided recommendations for guiding further scientific study defining this risk relationship. This endeavor serves to develop novel strategic directions for therapeutic interventions.

Can Erectile Dysfunction in Young Patients Serve as a Surrogate Marker for Coronary Artery Disease?

INTRODUCTION

Early diagnosis and expeditious management of coronary artery disease (CAD) has a rewarding survival benefit.

AIM

To study whether erectile dysfunction (ED) serves as a surrogate marker for CAD in a young patient.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Males (n=207) between ages 20-60 years with ED were evaluated prospectively for risk factors for CAD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood Glucose Levels (BGL) fasting and post meal), lipid profile (LP) and 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was done in all of them. International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IEF-5) was used for the evaluation of ED. Those with abnormal parameters were assessed by cardiologists by echocardiography, stress test and if necessary coronary angiography (Non-Invasive or Invasive).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

All the data were analysed using SPSS. 16 statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). All data are expressed as mean and standard deviation. The Student's t-test was used to compare means between groups, and the chi-square test was used to compare proportions between the groups. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. All confidence intervals (CIs) are two tailed and calculated at the 0.05 level.

RESULTS

Out of 207, 149 patients had at least one abnormal screening parameter. All underwent cardiology consultation and 2D ECHO and Stress test. Thirty six patients underwent coronary angiography. CAD was found in 22 patients. Of these, 19 patients had severe ED. Nine patients were between 20-40 years of age (13.23%). All 9 young patients had deranged LP; severe ED. Six patients were smokers while nobody was hypertensive.

CONCLUSION

ED serves as a surrogate marker for CAD in young patients (p=0.001). Presence of risk factors and lab abnormalities in young patients with ED warrants a cardiology referral to detect CAD.

Association Between Colonic Diverticulosis and Erectile Dysfunction: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

We investigated whether colonic diverticulosis (CD) is associated with an increased risk of the subsequent development of erectile dysfunction (ED).We identified 2879 patients, diagnosed with CD between 1998 and 2011 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database as the study cohort. Patients in a comparison cohort were frequency-matched with those in the CD cohort at a ratio of 1:4, frequency matched according to age (in 5-year bands) and year of CD diagnosis. The patients were followed-up until ED development, withdrawal from the National Health Insurance system, or the end of 2011. For both cohorts, the overall and age-specific incidence density rates of ED (per 1000 person-years) were calculated. The effects of age, CD, and other comorbidities on the risk of ED development were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression models.The average follow-up durations were 4.76 years and 4.97 years for the CD patients and comparison cohorts, respectively. The overall incidence of ED was 1.70-fold higher in the CD cohort than in the comparison cohort (2.92 and 1.71 per 1000 person-years, respectively). Colonic diverticulosis was an independent risk factor for subsequent ED development (adjusted HR [aHR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-2.28) in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model.In this large retrospective cohort study, CD was associated with future ED development. Additional studies are required for validating our results.

The Incidence, Prevalence, and Natural History of Erectile Dysfunction

Over the past 20 years, there have been numerous reports on the epidemiology of erectile dysfunction (ED). Most studies have reported prevalence rates in a variety of different populations using a variety of methodologies and a variety of definitions of ED. The varying methodologies, definitions, and populations make comparison difficult, but in high-quality studies there is a consistent association with age, and analytical studies suggest an association with cardiovascular risk factors, depression, and lower urinary tract symptoms. There is emerging evidence of a link with smoking and obesity. A smaller number of studies have reported the incidence of ED, again using a variety of different methodologies, definitions, and study populations. While the methodological differences were again prominent, there was a consistent correlation with increasing age. Only two reports have studied the natural history of ED, and both demonstrated not only that there was commonly disease progression, but also that in some men there was remission of ED. Remission was commoner in younger men, suggesting that in these men psychological and lifestyle factors might be the cause of temporary self-limiting ED. These studies also suggest that lifestyle modifications might be helpful in the prevention and treatment of ED. Eardley I. The incidence, prevalence, and natural history of erectile dysfunction. Sex Med Rev 2013;1:3-16.

Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease by Erectile Function Status: Evidence-Based Data

The link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been established as a result of individual studies and meta-analyses. ED predicts CVD, coronary disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and increased mortality. ED may occur on average 2-5 years before a CVD event and act as a marker for early asymptomatic vascular, and especially coronary artery, disease. Seventy percent of men with known CVD also have ED that identifies a further increased CVD event risk when compared with men with normal erections. Importantly, those at highest risk are men with ED aged 30-60 years and diabetics where CVD detection and prevention need the most focus. A question on ED should be incorporated in all CVD risk calculators, and when risk is identified, action to reduce risk should be aggressively initiated and monitored. Jackson G. Prediction of coronary artery disease by erectile function status: Evidence-based data. Sex Med Rev 2013;1:104-107.

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in a cohort of Italian hypertensive subjects

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a cohort of Italian hypertensive men and the association with clinical and biochemical data. The study involved 270 consecutive hypertensive subjects aged 40-70 years evaluated in Italian Hypertension Centers of six hospitals from Liguria and Piedmont. ED was assessed through the self-administered questionnaire of the International Index of Erectile Function. Clinical history with ongoing drug treatment, various clinical parameters, biochemical data and evidence about the presence of subclinical target organ damage was collected. Twenty-seven subjects refused to answer the questionnaire (10%). Among the 243 remained subjects, 123 presented ED (50.6%). ED was highly related to age, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, smoking status, statin therapy and kidney function. The addition of a thiazide diuretic to an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin system significantly increased the prevalence of ED. The prevalence of ED increased in relation with the number of hypotensive drug classes taken by the patients. ED was highly prevalent in this cohort of Italian hypertensive subjects and was associated with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as age, smoking status and kidney function. The role of ED as an early marker of cardiovascular disease is discussed.

Chronotropic Incompetence and Dynamic Postexercise Autonomic Dysfunction Are Associated with the Presence and Severity of Erectile Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Exercise stress testing (EST) is crucial to determine cardiovascular (CV) risk in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Low exercise workload, a slower rate of recovery following exercise, and an impaired capacity to increase heart rate (HR) during exercise testing (chronotropic incompetence) are independent predictors of adverse CV outcomes. Aim of this study was to investigate the association between ED and EST parameters.

METHODS

A total of 180 ED patients and 50 men without ED underwent maximal EST. Exercise parameters including exercise capacity (metabolic equivalents, METS), peak exercise time, HR at six METS, peak exercise, HR recovery (HRR) at 1 and 2 minutes and chronotropic index (CI) were evaluated in all individuals. Endothelial function was evaluated with flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery.

RESULTS

ED patients had lower peak exercise time and thus lower calculated exercise capacity (P < 0.001) and reduced CI (P < 0.01) compared to men without ED. There was a significant association of ED severity with duration of exercise, peak workload, HRR 2 minutes after exercise, and CI (all P < 0.05). There also was a positive relation of HRR and CI with FMD (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows interrelationships between exercise capacity, HRR, CI, and ED. Abnormal HRR and CI are associated with systemic endothelial dysfunction. These findings imply pathophysiological links and may have important implications for the estimation of cardiovascular risk in ED patients.

Gout and a Subsequent Increased Risk of Erectile Dysfunction in Men Aged 64 and Under: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan

Objective.

Few studies have examined the relationship between gout and erectile dysfunction (ED). We investigated whether patients with gout exhibited an increased risk of ED.

Methods.

This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the incidence and risk of ED in 19,368 men with gout who were newly diagnosed between January 2002 and December 2008. A total of 77,472 controls without gout were randomly selected from the general population and frequency-matched according to age and sex. The patients were followed up from the date on which they were included in the study cohort to the date of an ED event, censoring, or December 31, 2010. We conducted the Cox proportional hazard model to estimate the effects of gout on ED risk including age and comorbidities.

Results.

The gout cohort exhibited a 1.21-fold adjusted HR of subsequent ED development compared with the non-gout cohort (95% CI 1.03–1.44). The incidence of ED increased with age in both cohorts and was higher among the patients in the gout cohort than among those in the non-gout cohort. Compared to the patients without gout and comorbidities, the patients with both gout and any type of comorbidity exhibited a 2.04-fold risk of developing ED (95% CI 1.63–2.57). Further, the patients with gout who had numerous comorbidities exhibited the dose-response effect in developing ED.

Conclusion.

This nationwide cohort study revealed that ED risk is significantly higher in patients with gout than in the general population.

Erectile dysfunction: a window to the heart

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an early marker of coronary artery disease (CAD) and often manifests before the development of symptomatic CAD. In this case report, we present a 60-year-old man with ED, who demonstrated limited response to the standard management strategies and was subsequently treated with percutaneous pelvic intervention (PPI) of the internal pudendal artery. While on the table for PPI, the patient described a classical history of angina, on which basis he underwent coronary angiography and was found to have narrow proximal left anterior descending stenosis. Coronary artery stent placement was then performed using standard techniques. PPI of pudendal artery stenoses with stents is feasible and can improve cavernosal blood flow and venous leakage as well as erectile function.

Erectile dysfunction is a prognostic indicator of comorbidities in men with late onset hypogonadism

INTRODUCTION

The role of testosterone deficiency in erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly recognized; however, there is a need to clarify the nature of the relationship between ED and late onset hypogonadism (LOH).

AIM

In this study, we sought to determine the correlators of ED severity amongst men with LOH.

METHODS

130 patients diagnosed with LOH fulfilling the criteria of total testosterone ≤3.5 ng/ml (<12 nmol/l) and with an erectile function domain score <21 on the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF questions 1-5) were enrolled for a subsequent trial of Testosterone Undecanoate. Demographic data were recorded at baseline.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Subjects completed three standardised questionnaires to assess sexual health including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Aging Males Symptoms (AMS) and IIEF Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM). Patients were stratified by ED severity with SHIM scores of 1-7 considered severe ED, 8-11 moderate ED and 12-16 mild to moderate. Serum testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein) were assessed along with plasma fasting glucose and HbA1c. Weight, BMI and waist circumference were also recorded.

RESULTS

A significant association was observed between severity of ED and mean weight (p = 0.000), waist circumference (p = 0.000), triglycerides (p = 0.009), total cholesterol (p = 0.027), HbA1c (p = 0.000), fasting glucose (p = 0.003) and AMS scores (p = 0.043). No significant differences were seen in testosterone fractions and SHBG levels between ED subgroups. A positive correlation existed between the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2) and ED severity in this cohort (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

The descriptive data of our cohort show that increased severity of ED within LOH patients correlated with an increased waist circumference, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipidemia and a history of diabetes mellitus. Severe ED functions as a prognostic indicator of co-morbidities in men with LOH.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects a growing number of men in the USA and abroad, with significant impacts on sexual function and overall quality of life. The risk factors for ED are numerous and include a strong link to cardiovascular disease, such that men with ED should be screened for cardiovascular disease. The evaluation of men presenting with ED includes a comprehensive history and physical exam to aid in the identification of comorbidities as well as laboratory testing to evaluate hormone and lipid levels and sugar metabolism. Adjunct studies are also available, though their utility is often limited to specific subtypes of ED. Once the etiology of ED is established, treatment can be initiated using appropriate medical therapies, including phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, and transurethral or intracavernosal therapies, with surgical intervention via revascularization or penile prosthesis placement in men demonstrating a lack of response to medical therapy. In all cases of ED, a psychogenic component is present and referral for psychological intervention with or without medical therapy should be considered.

Should men with mild erectile dysfunction be closely evaluated for cardiovascular diseases in the Korean population?

This study compared demographic characteristics and prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities between men with mild erectile dysfunction (ED) and men with more severe ED. Men with 6-month history of ED and in monogamous heterosexual relationships were included. Non-responders to type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors or patients receiving regular treatment with nitrate, anticoagulants, androgens, and anti-androgens were excluded. ED was defined according to the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire score: no ED (≥26), mild ED (22-25), and others (<22). The review identified 70 patients with mild ED (6.0%, group A) and 1098 patients with more severe ED (94.0%, group B) were included. Of the patients in group B, 365 had mild-to-moderate ED (30.5%), 505 had moderate ED (43.2%), and 233 had severe ED (20.0%). Mean ages and body mass indices showed no differences between groups A and B. Group A had shorter mean duration of ED (p = 0.025). Although patients in group A had milder ED with shorter duration than group B patients, cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorder were still common for group A. The most common comorbidity was diabetes, which was twice as likely for patients in group B. Except for diabetes the prevalence of all diseases was comparable between the two groups. In conclusion, patients with mild ED should be closely evaluated for cardiovascular comorbidities.

The effect of statins on erectile dysfunction: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in older men, especially those with comorbidities such as diabetes and atherosclerotic disease, conditions where statins are frequently prescribed.

AIM

To examine the effect of statin therapy on ED using the five-item version of the International Inventory of Erectile Function (IIEF).

METHODS

We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of studies identified by a systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, the Cochrane Database, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Examination of the 186 retrieved citations resulted in the selection of 11 randomized trials for inclusion in the meta-analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in the IIEF score.

RESULTS

IIEF increased by 3.4 points (95% CI 1.7-5.0, P = 0.0001) with statins compared to control. This effect remained statistically significant after multiple sensitivity analyses, including analysis for publication bias, a cumulative meta-analysis, and 11 repeated analyses with each study omitted sequentially. The increase in IIEF with statins was approximately one-third to one-half of that previously reported with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and larger than the effect of lifestyle modification. Metaregression showed an increase in benefit with decreasing lipophilicity. The average age of participants and the degree of LDL cholesterol lowering did not alter the effect on IIEF.

CONCLUSION

Statins cause a clinically relevant improvement of erectile function as measured by the five-item version of the IIEF.

Advances in Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction

Stem cell (SC) therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) has been investigated in 35 published studies, with one being a small-scale clinical trial. Out of these 35 studies, 19 are concerned with cavernous nerve (CN) injury-associated ED while 10 with diabetes mellitus- (DM-) associated ED. Adipose-derived SCs (ADSCs) were employed in 18 studies while bone marrow SCs (BMSCs) in 9. Transplantation of SCs was done mostly by intracavernous (IC) injection, as seen in 25 studies. Allogeneic and xenogeneic transplantations have increasingly been performed but their immune-incompatibility issues were rarely discussed. More recent studies also tend to use combinatory therapies by modifying or supplementing SCs with angiogenic or neurotrophic genes or proteins. All studies reported better erectile function with SC transplantation, and the majority also reported improved muscle, endothelium, and/or nerve in the erectile tissue. However, differentiation or engraftment of transplanted SCs has rarely been observed; thus, paracrine action is generally believed to be responsible for SC’s therapeutic effects. But still, few studies actually investigated and none proved paracrine action as a therapeutic mechanism. Thus, based exclusively on functional outcome data shown in preclinical studies, two clinical trials are currently recruiting patients for treatment with IC injection of ADSC and BMSC, respectively.

Erectile dysfunction in the cardiology practice-a patients' perspective

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events sharing mutual risk factors with coronary artery disease. Several guidelines for the management of ED in cardiovascular disease have been proposed, recommending cardiologists to routinely inquire about erectile function. However, males' specific needs and wishes regarding sexual health care in cardiology are unknown. We sought to identify male patients' view concerning possible improvements in sexual health care and preferred forms of sexual counseling in the cardiology practice.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional multicentered survey study among randomly selected males visiting a cardiologist.

RESULTS

Of 388 respondents, 296 questionnaires were eligible for analysis. Mean age of respondents was 62.9 years. Overall, 56% (n = 165) had ED, with up to 86% in patients with heart failure. Mean bother experienced due to ED was 5.93 (±2.57) on a 0 to 10 scale. Most respondents indicated to feel comfortable discussing sexual health with the cardiologists (88%). Of men with ED (n = 165), 46% would like to have a conversation with the cardiologist about possibilities to improve sexual function, 55% would be helped if questions could be asked during consultation with a specialized nurse, and 58% would appreciate written information. Of all respondents (n = 296), 28% ever tried a phosphodiesterase inhibitor; 4% received the prescription of the cardiologists.

CONCLUSIONS

Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in patients with a variety of cardiovascular diagnosis and care for sexual function is mandatory. Patients indicated that above consultation with the cardiologist, both consultation with a specialized nurse and written information would be helpful.

Pharmacologic therapy for erectile dysfunction and its interaction with the cardiovascular system

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes are widely distributed throughout the body, having numerous effects and functions. The PDE type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are widely used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Recent, intense preclinical and clinical research with PDE5 inhibitors has shed light on new mechanisms and has revealed a number of pleiotropic effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system. To date, PDE5 inhibition has been shown to be effective for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, and both sildenafil and tadalafil are approved for this indication. However, current or future PDE5 inhibitors have the potential of becoming clinically useful in a variety of CV conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. The present review discusses recent findings regarding pharmacologic treatment of ED and its interaction with the CV system and highlights current and future clinical applications beyond ED.

The CopenHeartSF trial--comprehensive sexual rehabilitation programme for male patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator or ischaemic heart disease and impaired sexual function: protocol of a randomised clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Sexuality is an important part of people's physical and mental health. Patients with heart disease often suffer from sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction has a negative impact on quality of life and well-being in persons with heart disease, and sexual dysfunction is associated with anxiety and depression. Treatment and care possibilities seem to be lacking. Studies indicate that non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise training and psychoeducation possess the potential of reducing sexual dysfunction in patients with heart disease. The CopenHeartSF trial will investigate the effect of a comprehensive sexual rehabilitation programme versus usual care.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

CopenHeartSF is an investigator-initiated randomised clinical superiority trial with blinded outcome assessment, with 1:1 central randomisation to sexual rehabilitation plus usual care versus usual care alone. Based on sample size calculations, 154 male patients with impaired sexual function due to implantable cardioverter defibrillator or ischaemic heart disease will be included from two university hospitals in Denmark. All patients receive usual care and patients allocated to the experimental intervention group follow a 12-week sexual rehabilitation programme consisting of an individualised exercise programme and psychoeducative consultation with a specially trained nurse. The primary outcome is sexual function measured by the International Index of Erectile Function. The secondary outcome measure is psychosocial adjustment to illness by the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale, sexual domain. A number of explorative analyses will also be conducted.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

CopenHeartSF is approved by the regional ethics committee (no H-4-2012-168) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (no 2007-58-0015) and is performed in accordance with good clinical practice and the Declaration of Helsinki in its latest form.

REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01796353.

Erectile dysfunction and asymptomatic coronary artery disease: frequently detected by computed tomography coronary angiography but not by exercise electrocardiography

AIMS

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and vascular disease, in particular coronary artery disease (CAD), have the common denominator of endothelial dysfunction. ED frequently precedes a CAD event by between 2 and 5 years (average 3 years). ED also predicts an acute coronary syndrome as well as increased mortality, suggesting the rupture of an asymptomatic coronary plaque. This study compares multi-detector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT) with maximal treadmill exercising in men with ED and no coronary symptoms as a means of detecting coronary lesions.

METHODS

Sixty-five men with organic ED and no cardiac symptoms were prospectively screened for CAD. All underwent maximal exercise testing and MDCT in the same 7-day period. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men questionnaire established the presence of ED.

FINDINGS

The exercise ECG was borderline abnormal in three men and normal in 62. CT calcium was present in 53 (score 5-1671) and non-calcified plaque in seven. The MDCT angiogram was normal in only 5 (3.25%).

CONCLUSION

Erectile dysfunction may predict CAD in the absence of cardiac symptoms. MDCT detects subclinical plaque which may be vulnerable to rupture and which is not flow limiting enough to influence the exercise ECG. The window of 2-5 years between ED and a CAD event offers an opportunity for aggressive risk factor reduction. ED should be a routine question in any risk calculator.

SOP conservative (medical and mechanical) treatment of erectile dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most frequently treated male sexual dysfunction worldwide. ED is a chronic condition that exerts a negative impact on male self-esteem and nearly all life domains including interpersonal, family, and business relationships.

AIM

The aim of this study is to provide an updated overview on currently used and available conservative treatment options for ED with a special focus on their efficacy, tolerability, safety, merits, and limitations including the role of combination therapies for monotherapy failures.

METHODS

The methods used were PubMed and MEDLINE searches using the following keywords: ED, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, oral drug therapy, intracavernosal injection therapy, transurethral therapy, topical therapy, and vacuum-erection therapy/constriction devices. Additionally, expert opinions by the authors of this article are included.

RESULTS

Level 1 evidence exists that changes in sedentary lifestyle with weight loss and optimal treatment of concomitant diseases/risk factors (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) can either improve ED or add to the efficacy of ED-specific therapies, e.g., PDE5 inhibitors. Level 1 evidence also exists that treatment of hypogonadism with total testosterone < 300 ng/dL (10.4 nmol/L) can either improve ED or add to the efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors. There is level 1 evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of the following monotherapies in a spectrum-wide range of ED populations: PDE5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injection therapy with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1, synonymous alprostadil) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)/phentolamine, and transurethral PGE1 therapy. There is level 2 evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of the following ED treatments: vacuum-erection therapy in a wide range of ED populations, oral L-arginine (3-5 g), topical PGE1 in special ED populations, intracavernosal injection therapy with papaverine/phentolamine (bimix), or papaverine/phentolamine/PGE1 (trimix) combination mixtures. There is level 3 evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of oral yohimbine in nonorganic ED. There is level 3 evidence that combination therapies of PDE5 inhibitors + either transurethral or intracavernosal injection therapy generate better efficacy rates than either monotherapy alone. There is level 4 evidence showing enhanced efficacy with the combination of vacuum-erection therapy + either PDE5 inhibitor or transurethral PGE1 or intracavernosal injection therapy. There is level 5 evidence (expert opinion) that combination therapy of PDE5 inhibitors + L-arginine or daily dosing of tadalafil + short-acting PDE5 inhibitors pro re nata may rescue PDE5 inhibitor monotherapy failures. There is level 5 evidence (expert opinion) that adding either PDE5 inhibitors or transurethral PGE1 may improve outcome of penile prosthetic surgery regarding soft (cold) glans syndrome. There is level 5 evidence (expert opinion) that the combination of PDE5 inhibitors and dapoxetine is effective and safe in patients suffering from both ED and premature ejaculation.

Erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms: a consensus on the importance of co-diagnosis

Despite differences in design, many large epidemiological studies using well-powered multivariate analyses consistently provide overwhelming evidence of a link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Preclinical evidence suggests that several common pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in the development of both ED and LUTS. We recommend that patients seeking consultation for one condition should always be screened for the other condition. We propose that co-diagnosis would ensure that patient management accounts for all possible co-morbid and associated conditions. Medical, socio-demographic and lifestyle risk factors can help to inform diagnoses and should be taken into consideration during the initial consultation. Awareness of risk factors may alert physicians to patients at risk of ED or LUTS and so allow them to manage patients accordingly; early diagnosis of ED in patients with LUTS, for example, could help reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease. Prescribing physicians should be aware of the sexual adverse effects of many treatments currently recommended for LUTS; sexual function should be evaluated prior to commencement of treatment, and monitored throughout treatment to ensure that the choice of drug is appropriate.

Trends in laboratory test volumes for Medicare Part B reimbursements, 2000-2010

CONTEXT

Changes in reimbursements for clinical laboratory testing may help us assess the effect of various variables, such as testing recommendations, market forces, changes in testing technology, and changes in clinical or laboratory practices, and provide information that can influence health care and public health policy decisions. To date, however, there has been no report, to our knowledge, of longitudinal trends in national laboratory test use.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate Medicare Part B-reimbursed volumes of selected laboratory tests per 10,000 enrollees from 2000 through 2010.

DESIGN

Laboratory test reimbursement volumes per 10,000 enrollees in Medicare Part B were obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Baltimore, Maryland). The ratio of the most recent (2010) reimbursed test volume per 10,000 Medicare enrollees, divided by the oldest data (usually 2000) during this decade, called the volume ratio, was used to measure trends in test reimbursement. Laboratory tests with a reimbursement claim frequency of at least 10 per 10,000 Medicare enrollees in 2010 were selected, provided there was more than a 50% change in test reimbursement volume during the 2000-2010 decade. We combined the reimbursed test volumes for the few tests that were listed under more than one code in the Current Procedural Terminology (American Medical Association, Chicago, Illinois). A 2-sided Poisson regression, adjusted for potential overdispersion, was used to determine P values for the trend; trends were considered significant at P < .05.

RESULTS

Tests with the greatest decrease in reimbursement volumes were electrolytes, digoxin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and lithium, with volume ratios ranging from 0.27 to 0.64 (P < .001). Tests with the greatest increase in reimbursement volumes were meprobamate, opiates, methadone, phencyclidine, amphetamines, cocaine, and vitamin D, with volume ratios ranging from 83 to 1510 (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although reimbursement volumes increased for most of the selected tests, other tests exhibited statistically significant downward trends in annual reimbursement volumes. The observed changes in reimbursement volumes may be explained by disease prevalence and severity, patterns of drug use, clinical or laboratory practices, and testing recommendations and guidelines, among others. These data may be useful to policy makers, health systems researchers, laboratory directors, and industry scientists to understand, address, and anticipate trends in laboratory testing in the Medicare population.

Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease

The link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is reviewed by assessing original papers, current consensus, previous reviews and meta-analyses. The link between these conditions is confirmed, and the evaluation and assessment summarised with a new evidence-based algorithm. ED, especially in younger men, is a marker of an increased risk of CVD, and ED needs to be incorporated into all risk-screening programmes.

Are men with erectile dysfunction able to ejaculate?--A survey

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to show that men complaining of 'impotence' or erectile dysfunction (ED) can ejaculate.

METHODS

Attendees at a clinic for ED were asked to fill in a questionnaire to assess the severity of their ED and establish how often they were able to ejaculate.

RESULTS

Ninety-two percent of the men with ED were able to ejaculate at least a few times during sexual stimulation or intercourse.

CONCLUSION

Men with even severe ED claim they can ejaculate during sexual stimulation or intercourse.