Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with organic erectile dysfunction: comparison with an age-matched control group

Abstract

Our purpose was to determine the incidence of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in patients with organic erectile dysfunction (ED) and to compare the results with an age-matched control (potent) group. A total of 218 men with ED of organic etiology formed our study group. A total of 210 age-matched men who had urologic disease other than ED served as control group. An experienced cardiologist who was blind to the primary diagnosis evaluated the ECGs in the entire group. The results were reported as either normal or abnormal according to the presence or absence of an abnormality suggestive for cardiovascular disease. The mean age of the study and control groups was 58 years (range for the study group 28-82 years and for the control group 28-80 years). Abnormal ECG rates among patients with ED and control subjects were comparable. The incidences of ECG abnormalities in the study and control groups were 21.1% and 17.1%, respectively (P = 0,298). No ECG abnormality was detected in males younger than 40 in either group. Middle-aged or older men with ED may carry potential risk for cardiovascular diseases in the absence of cardiovascular symptoms. However, patients with organic ED are not under increased risk for ECG abnormalities.