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

Abstract

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.