IDENTIFYING RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION IN MEN WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: THE EDCARD STUDY

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is recognized as an early marker for cardiovascular disease yet the specific clinical characteristics that correlate with cardiac dysfunction remain unclear. We aimed to identify risk factors of cardiac dysfunction in men with ED.

In this cross-sectional study, men with ED were included from a Urology outpatient clinic, and via invitations sent to randomly selected men >40 years. Echocardiography assessed left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Data on age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid profile, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and cardiovascular comorbidities were analyzed for associations with cardiac dysfunction.

Among 398 men, the univariable analysis showed that BMI, diastolic blood pressure, and hs-CRP were associated with increased odds of LV systolic dysfunction (OR per 1 kg/m²: 1.08, OR per 1 mmHg: 1.03, OR per 1 mmol/L: 1.28, respectively). In multivariable analysis, BMI, diastolic blood pressure, and HbA1c were independently associated with LV systolic dysfunction, with ORs of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01-1.15), 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01-1.07), and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01-1.12), respectively. Additionally, BMI and dyslipidemia were associated with LV diastolic dysfunction (OR: 1.09 [95% CI 1.00-1.19] and OR: 2.54 [95% CI: 1.11-5.72], respectively).

Cardiometabolic factors contribute to cardiac dysfunction in men with erectile dysfunction. Elevated BMI, diastolic blood pressure, and HbA1c are associated with LV systolic dysfunction, while BMI and dyslipidemia are associated with LV diastolic dysfunction, possibly driven by chronic inflammation. This underscores the need for targeted management of cardiovascular risks in this high-risk population.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.