A recent Swedish survey presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 reveals a significant gap between heart patients' need for sexual health information and the guidance provided by healthcare professionals. The study of 135 respondents aged 30 to 89 with various heart conditions found that 76% report sexual health affects their mood and well-being, yet only 5% received information or counseling on the topic. This disparity underscores a critical aspect of patient care that remains largely unaddressed in cardiovascular treatment settings.
The research demonstrates substantial patient demand for sexual health information, with 78% of participants wanting guidance on this topic. Patients expressed particular interest in medication side effects (60%), erectile dysfunction (50%), impact on relationships (47%), anxiety before sex (35%), and pain during sex (13% of women). Lead author Tiny Jaarsma, Ph.D., a professor of nursing at the University of Linkoping in Sweden, expressed surprise at how profoundly heart patients feel their condition affects their sexual health and emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to make discussing sexual health a standard and respectable topic in healthcare settings.
The study revealed notable gender differences in perceptions and information-seeking behavior. 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 feelings of 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 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 underscores the need for more comprehensive patient care that includes open discussions about sexual health in the context of cardiovascular conditions. While the study's strength lies in its focus on people with heart conditions living at home, limitations include its geographical scope (Sweden) and online administration, which may have excluded less tech-savvy individuals.
As cardiovascular health continues to be a major concern worldwide, this research highlights the importance of addressing all aspects of patients' well-being, including sexual health. By incorporating sexual health discussions into routine care, healthcare professionals can provide more holistic support to heart patients, potentially improving their overall quality of life and emotional well-being. The findings suggest that healthcare systems need to develop standardized approaches to sexual health counseling for cardiac patients to bridge the current information gap and address this significant component of patient recovery and quality of life.
