CONGRESS ABSTRACT

Background : Therapeutic adherence is a major determinant of clinical outcomes in patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases. Beta-blockers represent a cornerstone of cardiology practice due to their proven benefits in reducing morbidity and mortality. However, long-term adherence to beta-blocker therapy is frequently suboptimal. In male patients, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that may negatively affect quality of life and contribute to poor adherence, either as a consequence of cardiovascular disease itself or as a perceived adverse effect of pharmacological treatment. Aim : To evaluate the impact of erectile dysfunction on adherence to beta-blocker therapy in male cardiovascular patients and to highlight the role of nursing education in improving treatment persistence and patient-centered care. Methods : A narrative review of the literature was conducted using major biomedical databases, focusing on studies addressing beta-blocker therapy, erectile dysfunction, and therapeutic adherence in male patients. Particular attention was paid to nursing-led educational interventions, including patient counseling, adherence monitoring, and management of therapy-related adverse effects. Educational strategies aimed at improving patient awareness, communication, and empowerment were analyzed. Results : The reviewed evidence indicates that erectile dysfunction is significantly associated with reduced adherence to beta-blocker therapy. Patients experiencing or fearing sexual dysfunction were more likely to modify dosage or discontinue treatment without medical supervision. Nursing education was shown to improve adherence by enhancing patient understanding of treatment benefits, reducing misconceptions regarding sexual side effects, and facilitating early identification of adherence issues. Nursing interventions were also associated with improved treatment persistence and reduced rates of unsupervised therapy discontinuation. Conclusions : Erectile dysfunction represents a relevant but often underestimated determinant of poor adherence to beta-blocker therapy in male patients. The integration of structured nursing education into cardiology care pathways may significantly improve therapeutic adherence, optimize clinical outcomes, and preserve quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach that includes nursing-led patient education should be considered an essential component of comprehensive cardiovascular care.