Sexual problems in heart failure patients.

Sexual problems can affect quality of life of patients with advanced heart failure. At this moment sexual problems in patients with heart failure are described in a few studies, however, no data are available on a European sample. The objective of this study was to report on the occurrence of sexual problems in patients with advanced heart failure and to study the relationship of sexual problems with demographic and clinical variables and overall quality of life. Data of 73 patients with heart failure, (mean age 70 years, 80% male), living with a spouse, collected at 3 points in time were analysed. It was found that symptoms of heart failure do effect the sexual relationships. Patients report marked changes in sexual function as a result of their disease. Even in a recovery period of 9 months after discharge patients report considerable changes in frequency of sexual activity, sexual interest, satisfaction and sexual performance as a result of heart failure. Most patients did not report problems in their relationship as a result of heart failure or as a result of sexual problems. Sexual adjustment was related to functional status, number of co-morbidities and age. Better sexual adjustment was also related to a higher quality of life.