Association between Ankle-Brachial Index and Erectile Dysfunction

Author(s): Bianca Aki Ishiy Ozima, Pedro Paulo Polotto, Thiago Litaiff Padilha, João Paulo Pretti Fantin, Fernando Nestor Facio Junior, Luis Cesar Fava Spessoto

The aim of this research was to investigate the clinical application of the ankle-brachial index (ABI), used to diagnose PAD, in patients with ED, taking into account demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and possible associations of the degree of ED with the ABI and with risk factors for ED. A prospective quasi randomized (in order of arrival) cross-sectional study was performed of patients with ED from the region of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil, regardless of race. ED was classified as mild (grade 1), moderate (grade 2) or severe (grade 3) using the international index of erectile function (IIEF). Patients were submitted to an assessment of the ABI with values below 0.9 indicating PAD. Of the patients studied (n = 30), nine (30%) had mild (grade 1), 14 (46.7%) moderate (grade 2) and seven (23.3%) severe ED (grade 3). Most patients were between 60 and 70 years old, had waist circumferences above the ideal (86.7%), were married or in a stable relationship (80%), and had at least six years of schooling (54%). The clinical application of ABI in patients with ED showed the absence of PAD. Regarding risk factors for ED, most patients were hypertensive and sedentary. There was no significant association between the degree of ED and the ABI, or risk factors for ED.

erectile dysfunction, peripheral arterial disease, cardiovascular risk factors

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