Rev. DERC (Online) 2020; 26(2): 80-85
Peripheral Muscle Oxygenation and Erectile Function in Individuals with Heart Failure
Abstract
Introduction:
Heart failure (HF) causes peripheral hypoperfusion, with impaired tissue oxygenation and, considering that penile erection is a predominantly vascular phenomenon, may affect male sexual function (SF).
Objective:
In men with HF, evaluate peripheral muscle oxygenation and erectile function (EF).
Methods:
Presentation of five case reports of sedentary male individuals with HF functional class II (2 cases) and III (3 cases), with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45%. FS was assessed by the international index of erectile function (IIEF) and peripheral muscle oxygenation before, during and after the six-minute walk test by near infrared spectroscopy.
Results:
The average age of the subjects was 52.8 (± 2.70) years, with erectile dysfunction being found in three individuals (60%), who had worse peripheral perfusion, with lower measurements of the tissue saturation index (TSI%) (54.8% vs 62.8%), oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) and deoxyhemoglobin (HHb).
Conclusion:
Given the results, the hypothesis that there is a directly proportional relationship between erectile dysfunction and peripheral muscle hypoperfusion in individuals with HF may be suggested.
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