Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: the impact on sexual function in men

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in men's sexual function after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) treatment for acute myocardial infarction (MI). Sixty men aged 18-70 years old were included in the study. All patients had acute MI and underwent PTCA. They underwent two post PCTA visits: 3 days and between 4 and 6 months after PTCA. During the first and second visit a standard medical interview was carried out and sexual function data collected using Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15). The results showed no statistical differences in IIEF and CSQF scores before and after PTCA. However, when cutoff points were used, a significant decrease in severe erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence according to IIEF (25.0% vs 16.7%; P=0.02) was observed. Based on the results, we concluded that sexual function significantly improved in the subset of men with severe ED who underwent PTCA as a treatment for acute MI, 4-6 months after the procedure.