[Prevalence erectile dysfunction in patients with hypertension].

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance, is closely associated with hypertension. We assessed the prevalence of ED in patients with hypertension at the primary care level. We analyzed factors associated with ED in these patients. We also worked out the relationship between cardiovascular disease risks and ED.

Patients And Method: This transversal multicenter study was carried out in educational primary care centers. A total of 512 patients with hypertension completed the International Index of Erectile Function in its abridged form (IIEF-5). Their known cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidity, toxic habits and hypertension history were taken form their medical records.

Results: Of 512 patients, 5 were not included in the study because of incomplete data in the IIEF-5 questionnaire. Mean age was 63.36 years (range 30 to 86). The prevalence of erectile dysfunction was 46.5%. Correlation of ED with age [OR = 1.05 (1.028-1.075)], diabetes mellitus [OR = 2.06 (1.247-3.406)] and ischemic heart disease [OR = 3.15 (1.429-6.947)] did reach statistical significance (p < 0.05). A linkage with cardiovascular disease risks, as worked out by the Framingham study, was not found.

Conclusions: We observe a high prevalence of ED in patients with hypertension.