Evaluation of Ventricular Repolarization in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Objectives: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to initiate or maintain sexual intercourse for at least 6months due to organic and psychogenic causes. Organic causes include autonomic nervous system dysfunction andendothelial dysfunction. These disorders in patients with ED may also cause heart diseases such as coronary arterydisease or arrhythmia. T-wave peak-to-end interval (Tp-e interval) and Tp-e/QT ratio are relatively new markers of ventricular arrhythmogenesis and repolarization heterogeneity. In the present observational study, we investigated thechanges in ventricular repolarization in patients with ED by performing 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG).Methods: This study included 40 healthy men and 40 ED patients (Age range: 44.7±5.8 vs 43.9±6.3).The QT and corrected QT (QTc) intervals, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio of the patients were measured by 12-lead ECG.Results: QTc intervals, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio were significantly increased in the ED group.Conclusion: These results suggest that ED is associated with impaired ventricular repolarization parameters and thatpossible autonomic nervous system dysregulation and endothelial dysfunction lead to this condition.