Erectile dysfunction among hypertensive men in a rapidly developing country

Background: Previous studies have supported the association between hypertension and erectile dysfunction (ED). In addition, a significant correlation between hypertension in men and ED has been well established. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ED, its severity and other sexual function domains in hypertensive patients in Qatar. Design and Setting: Cross-sectional study conducted between January and December 2006 at the Hamad General Hospital. Subjects: Qatari and nonQatari nationals 25 to 75 years of age were approached to participate in this study, 642 (75.5%) gave their consent. Materials and Methods: Qatari and nonQatari men aged 25 to 75 years who gave consent were interviewed face-to-face. Sexual function was evaluated with the International index of erectile function. Results: A total of 642 (75.5%) men responded, mean age of subjects was 57.1 +/- 11.9 years. The prevalence of ED in hypertensive patients was 58.3%. 21.2% of hypertensive men reported severe ED, 20.7% moderate ED and 16.4% mild ED. The comorbidities and risk factors were significantly more prominent in ED patients than in those with normal ED for hypercholesterolemia (P=0.009), diabetes (P=0.022) for hypertriglyceridemia (P=0.033) and myocardial ischemia (P=0.042). Conclusions: Our results have shown a greater prevalence of ED in the hypertensive men in the population of Qatar. The presence of another risk factor in addition to elevated blood pressure can increase the likelihood of ED.