Obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension and erectile dysfunction

Czech version

Authors: M. Pohanka ¹; P. Kaňovský ²
Authors‘ workplace: Sexuologické oddělení FN u sv. Anny, Brno, přednosta prim. MUDr. R. Hajnová ¹; Neurologická klinika Lékařské fakulty UP a FN Olomouc, přednosta doc. MUDr. P. Kaňovský, CSc. ²
Published in: Vnitř Lék 2005; 51(5): 578-582
Category: Reviews

Overview

Erectile dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea represent frequent, but generally underestimated phenomenon in clinical practice. Despite significant progress in understanding of erectile dysfunction pathophysiology, the mechanisms triggering onset and progression of organic erectile dysfunction are not completely known yet. Obstructive sleep apnea has several negative effects on the organism, causing autonomic, neurohumoral and endothelial dysfunction. There is an increased number of evidence that patients with obstructive sleep apnea may have increased risk for development of erectile dysfunction. This review will discuss potential pathophysiologic links between obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction.

Key words:
erectile dysfunction – sleep apnea

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