Association between cardiac resynchronization therapy response and sexual activity in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: Sexual activity is an important indicator of quality of life and is significantly impaired in patients with heart failure (HF). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has positive effects on cardiac dysfunction and endothelial dysfunction, thereby resulting in erectile dysfunction (ED). We aimed to evaluate whether CRT may improve sexual activity in patients with HF.

METHODS: In total, 136 patients (mean age, 61.8 ± 12.8 years) were evaluated for the study. All patients filled the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire for an evaluation of their erectile function before the CRT device implantation. One hundred eighty days after CRT device implantation, SHIM questionnaires were re-evaluated.

RESULTS: In the whole study population, SHIM test scores were significantly increased after CRT device implantation (12.99 ± 3.22 vs. 18.03 ± 5.00; p<0.001). Patients were divided into two groups according to the CRT response. Increase in SHIM test scores were significantly more in the response (-) group than in the response (+) group (response (-) group: 0.81 ± 1.77; p = 0.465 vs. response (+) group: 6.94 ± 3.36; p<0.001). Positive CRT response was found as an independent predictor of SHIM score (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Our study showed that CRT device implantation had positive effects on patients with HF and ED.