Erectile dysfunction in arterial hypertension

Erectile dysfunction, the inability to attain, respec-tively maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, is a frequent finding in the general popu-lation. It is a multi-factorial syndrome that may arise from chronic disease such as arterial hypertension, but also from psychosocial problems, as a side effect of cer-tain medications, alcohol or drugs, or from impaired nerve function. Erectile dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mor-tality. The approach to the patient should include a thorough cardiovascular, endocrine, neurological, uro-logical and psychological evaluation. In patients with arterial hypertension, diuretics and beta-blockers may impair erectile function while beneficial effects of angi-otensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, and nebivo-lol have been demonstrated. PDE-5-inhibitors may be considered in stable patients with controlled arterial hypertension but refractory erectile dysfunction