Depressive mood increases cardiovascular problems in men with erectile dysfunction

A new study at the University of Florence, Italy, found that the presence of depressive symptoms in men with erectile dysfunction constitutes a risk factor for a major cardiovascular event.

Erectile dysfunction and depression are often associated, and both are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. To investigate clinical correlates further, researchers studied approximately 2,000 male patients in a clinic for sexual dysfunction using a structured interview while also scoring for depressive symptoms.

Results show that in these subjects with erectile dysfunction, depression increases cardiovascular problems independently from other known risk factors. Furthermore, even the use of antidepressant medications did not alter the relationship between severe depressive symptoms and adverse cardiovascular events.

The study conclusion is published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.