Hypertension, Antihypertensive Therapy, and Erectile Dysfunction

• Published in: Angiology 2006-01, Vol.57 (1), p.47-52
• Main Authors: Papatsoris, Athanasios G., Korantzopoulos, Panagiotis G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antihypertensive Agents - adverse effects; Antihypertensive Agents - therapeutic use; Arterial hypertension. Arterial hypotension; Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Blood. Blood coagulation. Reticuloendothelial system; Cardiology. Vascular system; Clinical manifestations. Epidemiology. Investigative techniques. Etiology; Decision Making; Diseases of the peripheral vessels. Diseases of the vena cava. Miscellaneous; Erectile Dysfunction - etiology; Humans; Hypertension - complications; Hypertension - drug therapy; Male; Medical sciences; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Risk Factors
• ISSN: 0003-3197; 1940-1574
• DOI: 10.1177/000331970605700107

Erectile dysfunction represents a common problem in the male hypertensive population. Both erectile dysfunction and hypertension share common pathophysiologic pathways such as atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, traditional cardiovascular risk factors affect both conditions. Notably, several antihypertensive medications seem to adversely affect erectile function whereas others may exert neutral or even favorable effects. Thus, the regular and meticulous clinical evaluation of hypertensive patients, as well as individualization of anti-hypertensive therapy, are important steps in the effective management of such patients. In addition, the administration of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors or apomorphine has excellent efficacy and safety profile in hypertensive patients irrespective of taking or not taking anti-hypertensive medications.