The relationship of erectile dysfunction severity with nocturnal blood pressure pattern and RDW

Abstract

Aims: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED), nocturnal blood pressure patterns, and red blood cell width distribution (RDW) in hypertensive patients. Methods: The study involved 106 hypertensive patients, categorized into non-dippers and dippers based on their nocturnal blood pressure patterns. Key parameters including smoking status, RDW, and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, were compared between the groups. Results: The demographic data of the patients were similar. RDW was significantly higher in patients with non-dipper hypertension (HT) compared to the dipper group. Moderate and severe ED was seen more frequently in the non-dipper HT group (40.4% vs 20.4%; p=0.025). IIEF score was higher in the dipper HT group (17.6±6.9 vs 21.0±4.5; p=0.004). According to logistic regression analysis, age and smoking habit were significant predictors for moderate or severe ED. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant association between non-dipping blood pressure patterns, elevated RDW, and the severity of ED in hypertensive patients. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring nocturnal blood pressure patterns and RDW in understanding and managing ED in this population.