Heart Patients Seek Sexual Health Guidance, Survey Reveals Gap in Care
TL;DR
Heart patients reported sexual health impacts mood and well-being. Only 5% received information or counseling about sexual health.
Survey of older adults in Sweden with heart conditions found significant difference in sexual health information sought and what is provided.
Health care professionals need to change patient care practices to ensure discussing sexual health becomes a standard and respected topic in health care settings.
Many heart patients feel sexual health affects their overall well-being, highlighting the need for better access to sexual health information and counseling.
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A recent survey conducted in Sweden reveals a significant gap between heart patients' need for sexual health information and the guidance provided by healthcare professionals. The study, to be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024, found that while 76% of patients with heart conditions reported that sexual health affects their mood and well-being, only 5% received information or counseling on the topic.
The survey, which included 135 adults aged 30 to 89 with various heart conditions, showed that 78% of respondents wanted information on sexual health. Patients were most interested in discussing medication side effects (60%), erectile dysfunction (50%), and the impact on relationships (47%). Despite this clear demand, the vast majority of patients did not receive the information they sought.
Lead author Tiny Jaarsma, Ph.D., professor of nursing at the University of Linkoping in Sweden, expressed surprise at the extent to which heart patients felt their condition affected their sexual health. She emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to make discussing sexual health a standard part of patient care, similar to other routine health topics like vaccination and diet.
The study's findings highlight a critical area for improvement in cardiac care. By neglecting to address sexual health concerns, healthcare providers may be overlooking an important aspect of patients' overall well-being and quality of life. The research suggests that integrating sexual health discussions into standard care practices could significantly benefit heart patients.
Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., FAHA, an American Heart Association volunteer expert, noted that the study aligns with previous research indicating that shame and discomfort about sex serve as obstacles to counseling heart patients. She pointed out that societal stigma and limited knowledge among healthcare professionals about sexual health education for heart patients contribute to the problem.
The implications of this study extend beyond individual patient care. By addressing sexual health as a routine part of cardiac care, healthcare systems could potentially improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, and overall quality of life for those living with heart conditions. The research underscores the need for more comprehensive training for healthcare professionals and the development of standardized protocols for discussing sexual health with cardiac patients.
As the medical community continues to strive for more holistic patient care, this study serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing all aspects of a patient's health, including those that may be traditionally overlooked or considered taboo. The findings call for a shift in healthcare practices to ensure that sexual health becomes an integral part of cardiac care, potentially leading to better overall health outcomes for heart patients.
Curated from NewMediaWire
