Cardiovascular data on sildenafil citrate: Introduction

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction, as defined by the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Panel on Impotence, is the persistent inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction is estimated to affect 30 million men in the United States and >100 million men worldwide. This condition is strongly age-associated, with estimated prevalence rates of 39% in men 40 years of age and 67% in those 70 years of age. For men 40–70 years of age, 10% report complete erectile dysfunction (i.e., no erections) and 25% report moderate erectile dysfunction. In addition to age, risk factors for erectile dysfunction include: (1) chronic illnesses, such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and depression, and some medications used to treat these illnesses; (2) irradiation and surgery of the pelvic region; (3) spinal cord injury; (4) cigarette smoking; and (5) abuse of alcohol, cocaine, or heroin. Thus, erectile dysfunction is a common medical condition that frequently affects men who have various comorbidities that may have been previously diagnosed and are under management or may remain undiagnosed. Furthermore, because there are several common risk factors for erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, many cardiologists may be managing patients who are also receiving treatment for erectile dysfunction.