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Moderators' introduction

G. Jackson1,1 and F. Giuliano2

a Cardiac Department, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital, London, U.K.
b Department of Urology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bicêtre, AP-HP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France

1 Correspondence: Graham Jackson, MD, Cardiac Department, St. Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH, U.K..

Abstract

Sexuality is an integral component of male health and well being, and both the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction represent clear medical priorities. The close epidemiological, pathophysiological and clinical links between erectile dysfunction (or insufficiency) and cardiovascular disease warrant consideration by cardiologists. Not only do these conditions share common risk factors, but erectile insufficiency may also be a risk marker for occult coronary heart disease or diabetes. Impaired endothelial-dependent smooth muscle relaxation is a potential mechanism for both erectile dysfunction and certain forms of cardiovascular disease. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors potentiate the erectile response to sexual stimulation by amplifying the nitric oxide signalling pathway. The present supplement offers an appraisal of the cardiovascular safety of sexual activity and treatment of erectile insufficiency with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors; it explores potential uses of these agents in cardiovascular disease management; and it reviews the cardiovascular safety, tolerability and efficacy profiles of tadalafil — a novel phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.

Key Words: Cardiovascular disease • diagnosis • erectile dysfunction • phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors • treatment

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