What do cardiologists know about the effects of cardiovascular agents on sexual function? A survey among Dutch cardiologists. Part I

INTRODUCTION: Several cardiovascular agents, such as diuretics and β-blockers, can negatively affect sexual function, leading to noncompliance with therapy. Others such as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can improve patients’ sexual function. AIMS: We aimed to gain insight into cardiologists’ knowledge about the effects of cardiovascular drugs on sexual function and whether they take this knowledge into account when prescribing drugs. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was mailed to 980 members of the Netherlands Society of Cardiologists (cardiologists and residents in training). RESULTS: Almost 54 % of Dutch cardiologists responded; 414 questionnaires were analysed. Forty-five percent of cardiologists were aware that diuretics can negatively affect sexual function, 93.1 % knew about the negative effects β-blockers can have, but only 9.2 % were aware that ARBs can have positive effects on sexual health. Almost half of respondents (48.2 %) stated they change medication regularly in an attempt to improve sexual function. Experienced cardiologists said they do this significantly more often than less experienced ones. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiologists’ knowledge about the effects of cardiovascular drugs on sexual health appears to be insufficient. Sexual dysfunction is not routinely taken into account when cardiologists prescribe drugs.