A rare cause of erectile dysfunction: left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) without overt cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

A total of 80 patients with LVDD and without a history of coronary artery disease were compared with 80 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF-5) was used to diagnose and grade ED. LVDD and its relation with ED severity were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean age, Body Mass Index, total testosterone, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels did not significantly differ between the LVDD and control groups (P>0.05). There was a negative correlation between the stage of LVDD and IIEF-5 score (r=-0.635, P<0.05). Additionally, the left atrial volume index, peak TR velocity and E/e' ratio were independent risk factors for lowering the IIEF-5 score.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that LVDD is significantly associated with ED. There were significant associations between the increased severity of ED and the presence of LVDD in middle-aged men.