Herz
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Many studies demonstrate a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in cardiovascular patients. Findings show that patients often do not talk about their sexual problems. Many patients believe that their physician would not take their problem seriously. However, they wish to be asked by their physician and want to get information. The medical staff also avoids to broach the issue of sexual problems even when they assume an ED. Reasons for an insufficient inquiry are often lack of time or knowledge as well as emotional inhibitions. ⋯ The reported prevalence of sexual dysfunction in cardiac rehabilitation is very high. This requires skills concerning diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction, which are only scarcely present. Furthermore, there are many impediments that are mainly positioned in the health-care system. The skills should be improved by an effort in continuing medical education. Patients with ED often have depression and a reduced quality of life. To improve the quality of life of patients in the cardiovascular rehabilitation, the treatment of ED is a necessary condition. Trials show that a widespread rehabilitation program which includes a sexual education leads to a better sexual activity. The patients' quality of life can only be improved, if the medical staff includes relevant concomitant disorders to cardiovascular disease, like ED, in the treatment program of patients.