DOES SEVERITY OF ISCHEMIC CORONARY-DISEASE CORRELATE WITH ERECTILE FUNCTION

An association between diminution in the quality of male sexual functi on and ischemic coronary disease has been suggested. Patients with isc hemic heart disease who underwent coronary angiography participated in this study which aimed to document the impact of the extent of corona ry disease upon sexual function in 40 patients (mean age 56.6 y). The 11-questions accepted questionnaire addressing sexual drive, erectile function, and ejaculation was used. Information regarding, age, medica tions, hypertension, diabetes, relevant risk factors, medical history, and the number of occluded coronary vessels was retrieved fi om the p atients' records. A statistically significant correlation was demonstr ated between erectile function and the number of coronary vessels invo lved. Patients with one-vessel disease had more (P < 0.04) and firmer erections (P < 0.001) with fewer difficulties in achieving an erection (P < 0.007) than men with two-or three-vessel disease. Age, diabetes, and hypertension also had a negative effect on the quality of the ere ction (P < 0.05) in all patients.