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Sexual Function in Untreated and Treated Hypertension

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Special Issues in Hypertension

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Abstract

Sexual dysfunction is frequently encountered in hypertensive patients, affecting both patients’ and their partners’ quality of life. Hypertension induces structural and functional alterations in penile vessels, thereby inducing sexual dysfunction. Older antihypertensive drugs, such as beta-blockers and diuretics, exert negative effects on sexual function; newer agents, such as calcium antagonists and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, exert negative effects, while angiotensin receptor blockers and nebivolol might even exert beneficial effects on sexual function. These differences between antihypertensive agents must be taken into account when managing hypertension. The strong association between hypertension and sexual dysfunction and the impact on quality of life require special attention from all doctors and other health-care professionals treating hypertensive patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia

    Margus Viigimaa

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, 54643, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Michael Doumas

Authors
  1. Margus Viigimaa
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  2. Michael Doumas
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Correspondence to Margus Viigimaa .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Ce, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon

    Adel E. Berbari

  2. Clinica Medica, Ospedale S. Gerardo, Università di Milano-Bicocca, V .Donizetti 106, Milano, Monza, 20133, Italy

    Giuseppe Mancia

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Viigimaa, M., Doumas, M. (2012). Sexual Function in Untreated and Treated Hypertension. In: Berbari, A., Mancia, G. (eds) Special Issues in Hypertension. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2601-8_29

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2601-8_29

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-2600-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2601-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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