The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in heart failure patients by race and ethnicity.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem in male patients with heart failure (HF). However, no study was found that estimates the prevalence of ED by US ethnic groups with HF. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of patients enrolled in a HF disease management program in two sites Louisiana (N=329; 178 white, 99 black) and Florida (N=52; Hispanic). All male patients with an ejection fraction <or=40% were included. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men was used to estimate the prevalence of ED. Overall prevalence of ED was 89% and ED severity did not vary by race/ethnic group. Race/ethnic group differences were found for age, New York Heart Association functional classification, and blood pressure. Hispanic patients had the lowest unadjusted and adjusted prevalence rate of ED (81, 85%) compared to Black (90, 95%) and White (91, 92%) patients. There is a high prevalence of ED in Hispanic, Black and White ethnic groups with HF.