Change in sexual activity after a cardiac event: the role of medications, comorbidity, and psychosocial factors.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine change in sexual activity before and after cardiac diagnosis in men and women by medication class.

BACKGROUND

Decline in sexual activity after cardiac diagnosis frequently occurs, with adverse effects of medications believed to play a role, although literature by subclass of drugs are conflicting.

METHODS

Mixed methods approach was used to evaluate cardiac patients' (N=211) self-reported medications and changes in sexual activity before and after cardiac diagnosis via mailed survey. Chi square, logistic regression, and thematic analysis were used.

RESULTS

First and third generation beta blockers, class 1 calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, diuretics, and loop diuretics adversely affected sexual activity. Significant predictors of change in sexual activity were number of medications, education level, and income; the overall model predicted 25.7% of the variance in sexual activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual assessment and discussion of sexual concerns and side effects of medications by nurses are important to support sexual function.