Repository logo
 
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Publication

Heart rate variability and erectile function in younger men: A pilot study

Use this identifier to reference this record.
Name:Description:Size:Format: 
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.pdf576.95 KBAdobe PDF Download

Advisor(s)

Abstract(s)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) in younger men is an increasing concern. In middle aged and older men, ED was related to lower resting heart rate variability (HRV), but research in younger men is lacking. The present study examined, in a nonclinical sample of 105 men between 18 and 39 years, the association of ED with several parameters of resting HRV. Scores of the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) below 22 were considered as indicating ED. Eighteen men (17.1%) reported ED (mild in 16, mild to moderate in 2). Welch's tests revealed that ED was associated with lower low-frequency power (LF), lower high-frequency power (HF), lower standard deviation of interbeat intervals, and lower standard deviation of the heart rate, which is influenced by both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. After removing outliers, ED was unrelated to HF. In younger men, erections might be facilitated by a combination of higher parasympathetic tone and relatively higher sympathetic tone in the heart, as indicated by LF and greater standard deviation of the heart rate, a largely overlooked parameter in HRV research.

Description

Keywords

Heart rate variability Standard deviation of the heart rate Erectile dysfunction Younger men

Citation

Applied Psychophysiology Biofeedback Doi: 10.1007/s10484-020-09499-4

Research Projects

Research ProjectShow more

Organizational Units

Journal Issue

Publisher

Springer New York

CC License

Altmetrics