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.