SEXUAL FUNCTIONING POSTMYOCARDIAL INFARCTION - EFFECTS OF BETA-BLOCKERS, PSYCHOLOGICAL STATUS AND SAFETY INFORMATION

Impaired sexual functioning limits the quality of life of 34-75% of po st-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. This study examined the effect s of three factors: (a) beta-blocker intake, (b) psychological distres s, and (c) information about safety of sexual activity, on post-MI dec reased sexual functioning. Sixty-three male post-MI, post-cardiac reha bilitation patients and their spouses participated in the study. Analy ses of partial variance were conducted to test for the effect of each factor on sexual functioning. Controlling for age, results revealed th at patients' psychological distress explained uniquely 24% of the vari ance on decreased post-MI sexual activity (p<0.002). Beta-blocker inta ke and message received with regard to sexual activity safety were not significant predictors of observed changes. Interdisciplinary assessm ents and interventions are recommended.