Valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker treats sexual dysfunction in a female hypertensive: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension and its treatment cause sexual dysfunction (SD), impairing quality of life; and adversely affecting compliance and blood pressure control. SD is reported more often by men than women in most cultures especially ours. This has tended to affect the attitude of clinicians towards SD in female hypertensives. METHODS: A woman who for over 15 years of hypertension and its treatment faced difficulties in all domains of sexual function is hereby reported. On reporting this, the beta blocker in her regimen was replaced by an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). RESULTS: Gradually she regained libido and began to enjoy intercourse once again. This change obviated the need for a 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor which would have added to cost of treatment. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: SD occurs in female hypertensives and should be sought. When found, ARB use can reverse the problem with all its attendant benefit on quality of life and blood pressure control.