Enhanced External Counterpulsation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease-Associated Erectile Dysfunction. Part I: Effects of Risk Factors

Abstract

Recently it has been demonstrated that enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) could improve erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with refractory ischemic heart disease (IHD). To assess the effect of risk factors on the efficacy and the satisfaction rate of EECP in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)-associated ED. To assess the effect of risk factors on EECP efficacy and satisfaction rate, we compared the pre- and post-EECP responses to erectile function domain, Q3, and Q4 in patients with and without risk factors. Overall satisfaction and global efficacy question (GEQ) were also assessed. A total of 44 male consecutive patients with intractable angina caused by coronary insufficiency which cannot be controlled by conventional therapy were enrolled in this study. Patients were screened and followed up for ED using erectile function domain of the International Index for Erectile Function. A thorough sexual, medical, and psychosocial history was taken from all patients. All patients had severe diffuse triple vessels disease. They all had class III or IV angina. They were receiving the maximal antianginal pharmacotherapy. The mean age +/- SD was 57.1 +/- 5.6 years. Of the patients, 63.9% were below 60 years, and 86.4% were current or ex-smokers. There were significant differences between pre- and post-EECP regarding erectile function domain, Q3, and Q4. The sociodemographic variables were not significantly different among the studies groups and had not affected the GEQ or overall satisfaction. Overall satisfaction and GEQ were negatively influenced by smoking and presence of more than two risk factors. However, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, myocardial infraction, and obesity have not had such effects. The efficacy and satisfaction rate of EECP in patients with CAD-associated ED were negatively influenced by presence of risk factors; however, the global efficacy and the overall patients' satisfaction were encouraging.