Managing erectile dysfunction in hypertension: the effects of a continuous training programme on biomarker of inflammation

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a continuous training programme on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and in the management of erectile dysfunction (ED) in older men with hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 22 men with hypertension and ED (mean age 61.8 years, sd 7.79) were involved in continuous training (35-59% of heart rate maximum reserve) for 8 weeks for 45-60 min, while 21 age-matched control hypertensives (mean age 64 years, sd 8.53) remained sedentary during this period. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to assess the outcome of ED. The Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman correlation were used to analyse the results of the changes in IIEF and CRP. RESULTS: There was a significant effect of continuous exercise training on erectile function and CRP levels in hypertensive men with ED (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A continuous training programme decreases CRP levels and is an effective means of noninvasive and nonpharmacological management of ED in men with hypertension.