Atherosclerosis: Its Impact on Cardiovascular Health and Sexual Function

Chest X-ray, diagnosis of aortic atherosclerosis?

I have been visiting the cardiology outpatient clinic for four to five years, with regular check-ups every three months.
I have been taking medications such as Concor, Lipitor, and Ezetimibe.
The blood test results from both the hospital and my company have shown that all values are within the normal range.
However, in the past two years, the company's health check reports and X-rays have indicated "aortic atherosclerosis." When I mentioned this to my doctor during my follow-up visit, he seemed to have little reaction.

Could you please clarify whether "atherosclerosis" and "cardiovascular" are two different issues? If they are different, which specialty should I consult for "atherosclerosis"? Additionally, I have been experiencing various declines in sexual function over the years, as seen in television advertisements.
Is this related to the cardiovascular medications I am taking? When I brought up my sexual function concerns with my doctor, he only referred me to a urologist.
I found online that "Concor" is a beta-blocker, which seems to have potential effects on sexual function.
Initially, my doctor prescribed "Concor" at a dosage of 2.5 mg once daily, but it seemed to lower my heart rate too much, making me uncomfortable enough to consider going to the emergency room.
After discussing this with my doctor, he agreed to reduce the dosage to 1.25 mg twice daily.

Can I further reduce the dosage to see if my sexual function improves? Additionally, I feel that the medication may be affecting my sleep.
Is this a common issue with aging, or could it be related to the medication? Thank you for taking the time to clarify these concerns.

Xiao, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/03

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

1.
Atherosclerosis is a general term for vascular hardening; further examinations are needed to determine the presence of cardiovascular disease.

2.
Certain cardiac medications, such as beta-blockers, may indeed affect sexual function; it is advisable to discuss switching to alternative medications with your physician.

3.
If the heart rate is too slow (below 50 beats per minute), it is recommended to reduce the dosage.

4.
There are many factors that can affect sleep; it is advisable to seek assistance from a psychiatrist.

Reply Date: 2021/06/03

More Info

Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaques in the arterial walls, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attacks, and strokes. It is essential to understand the relationship between atherosclerosis, cardiovascular health, and sexual function, especially in the context of your ongoing medical treatment and concerns.

Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Health
Atherosclerosis is indeed a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases. The presence of atherosclerosis can lead to narrowed arteries, which restrict blood flow to various organs, including the heart and brain. This can result in symptoms like chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and in severe cases, heart attacks or strokes. The risk factors you mentioned, such as high cholesterol levels, are critical in the development of atherosclerosis. Regular monitoring and management of these risk factors through lifestyle changes and medications are crucial.

In your case, the X-ray reports indicating "aortic atherosclerosis" suggest that there is some degree of plaque buildup in the aorta, which is the main artery supplying blood to the body. While this finding is concerning, it does not necessarily mean you have significant cardiovascular disease at this moment. It is essential to discuss these findings with your cardiologist, who can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and determine if further tests, such as an echocardiogram or angiography, are necessary.

Atherosclerosis and Sexual Function
Regarding your concerns about sexual function, it is well-documented that cardiovascular health significantly impacts sexual health. Atherosclerosis can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED) due to reduced blood flow to the pelvic region. Additionally, certain medications used to treat cardiovascular conditions, such as beta-blockers (like "康肯"), can also contribute to sexual dysfunction. These medications can affect libido, erectile function, and overall sexual satisfaction.

If you are experiencing sexual function issues, it is essential to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider. While your doctor referred you to a urologist, it is also crucial to address the potential side effects of your cardiovascular medications. You might consider discussing alternative medications with your cardiologist that have a lower risk of sexual side effects. Adjusting the dosage of your current medication, as you suggested, could also be a viable option, but this should be done under medical supervision to ensure your cardiovascular health is not compromised.

Managing Your Health
In terms of managing your overall health, it is vital to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking. These lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of atherosclerosis and improve your cardiovascular health.
As for your sleep issues, both aging and medications can contribute to sleep disturbances. It may be beneficial to discuss this with your healthcare provider, who can help determine if your medications are affecting your sleep and suggest alternatives or additional treatments.

In summary, atherosclerosis is closely linked to cardiovascular health and can impact sexual function. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers about all your concerns, including the effects of medications on your sexual health and overall well-being. Regular follow-ups and appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan can help manage both your cardiovascular health and any associated issues effectively.

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