Introduction: Pulse pressure (PP; i.e., the arithmetic difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) reflects arterial stiffness and has been suggested to be an independent cardiovascular risk factor.
Aim: The aim of the present study is to asses the possible contribution of PP to arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) and ED-associated hypogonadism.
Methods: A consecutive series of 1,093 (mean age 52.1 +/- 13.0 years) male patients with ED and without a previous history of hypertension or not taking any antihypertensive drugs were investigated.
Main outcome measures: Several hormonal and biochemical parameters were studied, along with structured interview on erectile dysfunction (SIEDY), ANDROTEST structured interviews, and penile Doppler ultrasound.
Results: Subjects with higher PP quartiles showed worse erectile function and higher prevalence of arteriogenic ED even after adjustment for confounding factors. Furthermore, sex hormone binding globulin-unbound testosterone levels declined as a function of PP quartiles. Accordingly, the prevalence of overt hypogonadism (calculated free testosterone < 180 pmol/L or free testosterone < 37 pmol/L) increased as a function of PP quartiles (17.% vs. 39.7%, and 30.8% vs. 58.6% for the first vs. fourth quartile, respectively, for calculated free testosterone and free testosterone; all P < 0.0001 for trend). This association was confirmed even after adjustment for confounders (Adjusted [Adj]) r = 0.090 and 0.095 for calculated free testosterone < 180 pmol/L and free testosterone < 37 pmol/L, respectively; all P < 0.05).
Conclusions: PP is an easy method to estimate and quantify patient arterial stiffness. We demonstrated here for the first time that elevated PP is associated with arteriogenic ED and male hypogonadism. The calculation of PP should became more and more familiar in the clinical practice of health care professionals involved in sexual medicine.