AHA/ESC Council publish statement on sexual counseling in CVD

The American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions recently published a consensus document outlining recommendations for sexual counseling for patients with CVD and their spouses or partners.

The investigators suggested that health care professionals who work with patients with CVD may require specific instruction in assessing and counseling those patients about their capacity for sexual activity. The clinical community may also require training on communication techniques that will allow patients and their partners to discuss fear, anxiety and depression as it pertains to their CV health and sexual activity.

Patients with psychosexual concerns may benefit from structured strategies such as the giving permission, limited information, specific suggestions and intensive therapy (PLISSIT) model. Interventions may improve the frequency and quality of sexual functioning in patients of all ages, genders or sexual orientations. The investigators recommend a team approach when possible, according to the guidelines. They noted that these strategies, along with cognitive behavioral techniques, have been associated with improvements in sexual functioning in this patient population.

Clinicians are encouraged to discuss the risks and potential adverse events of CVD medications on sexual activity, along with the role of exercise and stress-reducing activities in fostering sexual activity between patients and their partners. The investigators recommend that patients and their partners use a familiar setting, receive instruction on activities requiring minimal activity and avoid anal intercourse.

It is recommended that the CV diagnosis of the patient should play a role in sexual counseling. Counselors should be aware of ICD discharge codes and appropriate sexual activities for individuals with HF.

The investigators recommend randomized controlled trials to more clearly outline interventions to help reduce physical and psychological morbidity associated with sexual activity in this patient population.

For more information, visit:

circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2013/07/29/CIR.0b013e31829c2e53.full.pdf+html.