The factors associated with sexual recovery in male patients with acute myocardial infarction under phase II cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract

Aims and objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic factors of short-term sexual recovery in patients with acute myocardial infarction after phase II cardiac rehabilitation for six weeks.

Background: It is often observed that patients who have suffered acute myocardial infarction and have sufficient aerobic capacity for sexual activity do not recover sexual activity. Until now, few studies have investigated factors associated with recovery of sexual activity.

Design: Observational study.

Methods: Among 627 male patients with acute myocardial infarction who were referred for cardiac rehabilitation from October 2010-September 2014, 72 were finally analysed. Subjects who met all the following criteria were included: (1) completed a questionnaire about sexual activity before and after phase II cardiac rehabilitation; (2) showed usual sexual activity before onset of acute myocardial infarction and (3) revealed decreased sexual activity at baseline of cardiac rehabilitation compared to preacute myocardial infarction status despite ≥5 maximal metabolic equivalents. Information on sociodemographic characteristics and cardiopulmonary function obtained before cardiac rehabilitation was used for the analysis.

Results: (1) Twenty-five of the 72 subjects (34·7%) had improved sexual activity after six weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, but 47 (65·3%) continued the status of no-recovery sexual activity after cardiac rehabilitation. (2) Age, body mass index and use of statins were significantly different between subjects who recovered and those who did not. (3) No differences in other clinical characteristics and cardiopulmonary functions were detected between the two groups. (4) Age and body mass index were significant factors associated with recovery of sexual activity.

Conclusions: Age and body mass index were significant factors associated with recovery of sexual activity in acute myocardial infarction patients. Aerobic capacity at baseline of cardiac rehabilitation was not an independent factor to predict the recovery of sexual activity.

Relevance to clinical practice: These results should be considered when educating patients under phase II cardiac rehabilitation on their return to normal sexual activity.