SEXUAL ACTIVITY BEFORE AND AFTER CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING

Abstract

Improved functional capacity after coronary surgery implies that a better level of any aspects of quality of life, sexual activity inclusive, could be expected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the sexual activity in the patients with coronary artery disease having undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The mean age of the contingent of 18 male and 2 female patients was 58 ±5,6 (range 44-66) years. After clinical examination the patients completed a sexual activity questionnaire and an exercise test 20 ±14 (range 4—52) months after CABG. All the patients were married and had permanent sexual partner. At the time of the observation 6 patients (30%) were symptomatic. Data about angina pectoris was available for 5 patients, and one patient experienced symptoms of heart failure. The NYHA class of the patients increased significantly after CABG (1,9 ±0,8 vs 3,1 ±0,5, p 0,001). Only 5 (25%) patients reported increased sexual activity after CABG. Fourteen (70%) patients reported no change in the sexual activity and one (5%) patient had decreased sexual intercourse frequency. After CABG, 16 patients (80%) used beta-blockers. Although the NYHA class of the patients increased significantly after CABG, a few of them experienced an improved sexual activity. Possible reasons were the psychological problems (depression, fear of sexual failure, lack of appreciation and support by the sexual partner), diabetes mellitus, beta-blocker usage, etc. The physician in charge of the CABG patient should ask actively for sexual problems and refer the patient to specialized evaluation when needed.