Sexual dysfunction and sexual well-being in people with heart disease

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe sexual well-being and sexual problems in the general population of Norway and, specifically, among people with heart disease. What is the relationship between sexual well-being, sexual problems and psychological, medical and relational factors? Data were collected from among 1664 persons with heart disease, aged 18 – 84 years (2004, LHL study), and from among a representative sample of 1093 adult Norwegians (1997, MMI study). Questionnaires were anonymous and self-administered. The response rate was 36% in the LHL study and 54% in the MMI study. Twenty-six percent in the LHL study and 11% in the MMI study reported ever having had sexual problems. Among those <40 years old, 54% in the LHL study and 34% in the MMI study reported problems with desire/interest. In the age group 40 – 49 years, 73% of men with heart disease and 17% of men in the general population reported erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, 22% from the LHL study had experienced sexual problems in the past 30 days. The best predictors of recent sexual problems were habitual negative body perception, worries about one's sexuality and body, sexual motivation problems, cordial infarction and (not) taking blood thinners. Having a sexual problem was an important predictor of sexual well-being.