Sexual function, satisfaction, and association of erectile dysfunction with cardiovascular disease and risk factors in cardiovascular high-risk patients: Substudy of the ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial/Telmisartan Randomized AssessmeNT Study in ACE-INtolerant Subjects with Cardiovascular Disease (ONTARGET/TRANSCEND)
Received 18 December 2006; accepted 15 March 2007. published online 10 May 2007.
Background
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder in middle-aged men and is significantly influenced by cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and cardiovascular disease. The substudy of the ONTARGET/TRANSCEND trials evaluates the relationship of erectile function to baseline characteristics and current treatment in cardiovascular high-risk patients who have been enrolled in these trials. The effects of treatment with telmisartan and ramipril, alone or in combination, including a telmisartan versus placebo arm will be determined prospectively during a follow-up of 4 years.
Methods
One thousand three hundred fifty-seven patients were evaluated in 13 countries at baseline, 2 years, and 4 years, with ED determined using the ED score of the Cologne Male Survey (Kölner [Cologne] Evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction) and the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function. Erectile dysfunction scores were related to CVRF and the use of cardiovascular drugs.
Results
Prevalence of ED was 50.7% (Kölner [Cologne] Evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction) and 54.3% (5-item International Index of Erectile Function), respectively, with a decline of sexual activity after the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (P < .00001), stroke (P = .00026), pelvic surgery (P = .025), and age of >65 years (P < .00001) correlated with the degree of ED. No significant associations were observed for cholesterol levels, hypertension, and smoking status as well as current treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin I antagonists, diuretics, β-blockers, or calcium-channel blockers.
Conclusions
The ONTARGET/TRANSCEND-ED substudy shows a significant influence of cardiovascular disease on erectile function. In contrast to prior smaller studies, drug therapy and CVRF seem to play a minor role in cardiovascular high-risk patients. Follow-up data will provide information whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin I antagonists, or a combination thereof are able to improve erectile function.
aKlinik für Innere Medizin III des Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Saarland, Homburg, Germany
bDepartment of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
cMedizinische Klinik 4, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
dDepartment of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Reprint requests: Michael Böhm, MD, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Klinik für Innere Medizin III, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany.
ABSTRACT