Uvod: Seksualnost je važan dio kvalitete života, ali se kod kardioloških pacijenata često zanemaruje zbog straha, nedostatka informacija i fokusa na osnovnu bolest. Kardiovaskularne bolesti i njihovo liječenje mogu utjecati na seksualnu funkciju, samopouzdanje i partnerske odnose. Otvorena komunikacija i pravilna edukacija ključni su očuvanje seksualnosti kod kardioloških bolesnika.

Cilj: Ispitati seksualnosti kardioloških bolesnika.

Materijali i metode: U istraživanju je sudjelovalo 60 ispitanika (N=60) nakon srčanog infarkta i operacije srca. Za procjenu seksualnosti korišten je Upitnik o seksualnosti kod kardioloških pacijenata

Rezultati: Nakon srčanog infarkta i operacije srca 25% (N=15) ispitanika nije bilo spolno aktivna dok 41,66% (N=25) razgovara s partnerom o seksualnosti. 58,33% (N=35) smatra da se spolni odnos s partnerom nije promijenio nakon bolesti a 63,33% (N=38) smatra da je seksualni odnos normalan i nakon bolesti (infarkt ili operacija srca). Većina ispitanika 45,28% (N=24) smatra da je njihovo sampouzdanje uz postizanje i održanje erekcije prije bolesti bilo veliko, a 30,19% (N=16) osrednje dok je nakon bolesti osrednje 51,92% (N=27). Isto tako 53,33% (n=32) navodi da nije osjećalo poteškoće tijekom seksualnog odnosa, a 45% (n=27) smatra da spolni život pozitivno utječe na kvalitetu života.

Zaključak: Seksualnost ostaje važan dio kvalitete života kardioloških bolesnika nakon srčanog infarkta i operacije srca. Iako dio bolesnika bilježi promjene u spolnoj aktivnosti i samopouzdanju, većina navodi očuvanu seksualnu funkciju i doživljava spolni život kao normalan. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju na potrebu za otvorenom komunikacijom, podrškom partnera i ciljanom edukacijom radi poboljšanja kvalitete života kardioloških bolesnika.

Ključne riječi: kardiološki pacijenti, seksualnost, kvaliteta života

Introduction: Sexuality is an important part of quality of life, but it is often neglected in cardiology patients due to fear, lack of information, and focus on the underlying disease. Cardiovascular diseases and their treatment can affect sexual function, self-confidence, and partner relationships. Open communication and appropriate education are key to preserving sexuality in cardiology patients.

Aim: To examine the sexuality of cardiology patients.

Materials and methods: The study included 60 participants (N = 60) after myocardial infarction and cardiac surgery. Sexuality was assessed using the Sexuality Questionnaire for cardiology patients.

Results: After myocardial infarction and cardiac surgery, 25% (N = 15) of participants were not sexually active, while 41.66% (N = 25) discussed sexuality with their partner. A total of 58.33% (N = 35) believed that sexual intercourse with their partner had not changed after myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery, and 63.33% (N = 38) considered sexual relations to be normal even after myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery. Before myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery, most participants (45.28%, N = 24) reported high self-confidence in achieving and maintaining an erection, while 30.19% (N = 16) reported moderate self-confidence; after myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery, 51.92% (N = 27) reported moderate selfconfidence. Additionally, 53.33% (N = 32) reported no difficulties during sexual intercourse, and 45% (N = 27) believed that sexual life positively affects quality of life.

Conclusion: Sexuality remains an important aspect of quality of life in cardiology patients after myocardial infarction and cardiac surgery. Although a proportion of patients experience changes in sexual activity and self-confidence, most report preserved sexual function and perceive their sexual life as normal. These findings highlight the need for open communication, partner support, and targeted education to address concerns related to sexuality and improve overall quality of life in cardiology patients.

Key words: cardiology patients, sexuality, quality of life