Heart Patients Desire Sexual Health Guidance, Study Reveals Gap in Care

A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 has uncovered a significant gap between heart patients' needs for sexual health information and the guidance provided by healthcare professionals. The survey, conducted in Sweden, reveals that while 76% of patients with heart conditions report that sexual health affects their mood and well-being, only 5% received information or counseling on the topic.

The study, which surveyed 135 adults aged 30 to 89 with various heart conditions, found that 78% of respondents wanted information on sexual health. Topics of particular interest included medication side effects (60%), erectile dysfunction (50%), and the impact on relationships (47%). Despite this clear desire for information, the vast majority of patients reported not receiving any guidance from their healthcare providers.

Lead author Tiny Jaarsma, Ph.D., a professor of nursing at the University of Linkoping in Sweden, expressed surprise at the extent to which heart patients feel their condition affects their sexual health. She emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to change their patient care standards to include sexual health as a routine topic of discussion, similar to other health concerns like vaccination status, diet, and exercise.

The study also revealed a gender disparity in perceptions and desires for sexual health information. Sixty-five percent of men believed their heart disease impacted their sexual health, compared to 35% of women. Additionally, men were more likely to desire information on sexual health than women (87% vs. 64%).

Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., FAHA, an American Heart Association volunteer expert, noted that the study aligns with previous research indicating that shame and discomfort about sex serve as obstacles to counseling heart patients. She highlighted the importance of addressing societal and cultural stigma associated with sex, as well as the limited knowledge among healthcare professionals about educating patients on sexual health.

The implications of this study are significant for the field of cardiovascular care. It underscores the need for a more holistic approach to patient care that includes open discussions about sexual health. By incorporating sexual health into routine care, healthcare providers can address an important aspect of patients' overall well-being that is currently being overlooked.

The American Heart Association recommends that people who have experienced a heart attack or have been diagnosed with heart disease and stroke should consult with a healthcare professional before resuming sexual activity. This study suggests that such conversations are not happening frequently enough, potentially leaving patients without crucial information and support.

As the medical community continues to strive for comprehensive patient care, this research serves as a call to action for healthcare professionals to bridge the gap between patients' needs and the care they receive. By normalizing discussions about sexual health in the context of heart disease, providers can help improve patients' quality of life and overall health outcomes.

While the study has limitations, including its focus on Swedish patients and online administration, it provides valuable insights into an often-overlooked aspect of cardiovascular care. As the field moves forward, addressing sexual health concerns may become an essential component of standard care for heart patients, potentially leading to improved patient satisfaction and better overall health outcomes.