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Sex after Heart Disease
Following a heart attack, questions concerning sexual intercourse frequently go unasked and unanswered simply due to pure embarrassment. Patients as well as their partner’s worry that intercourse will cause chest pain resulting in another heart attack or death. These fears are understandable, though unjustified. With the right information, and the assistance of your health care provider, you can and should feel comfortable returning to sexual activity.
Returning to sex is just like returning to regular exercise and is a normal part of your recovery. For many couples, the most important step in overcoming reservations about returning to sex after a heart attack is talking to each other about the very real fears they have.
Research has shown after a heart attack, whereas most people have returned to normal work, there are a significant proportion of people who have not resumed satisfactory sexual activities. Yet sexual intercourse has been shown to cause the heart rate to rise to around 120 beats per minute, creating not much more risk than walking up two flights of stairs.
However, a word of caution is necessary. Studies have shown extra-marital relationships seem to place more stress on the heart whereas, in a stable relationship in which the couple are comfortable and familiar with one another, research has shown the risk is minimal.
During the first few weeks, it often happens the desire for intercourse doesn't return. Don't worry about it, but ensure both you and your partner discuss the issue before it has a chance to become a problem. Sometimes there is a need for patience and it's worth waiting until both partners feel mentally and physically able to cope with the situation.
If angina is preventing satisfactory sexual intercourse then your doctor should be informed. Similarly if you suspect the medication for your heart is causing side-effects such as impotence, you should consult your doctor who can then alter the dose or change the preparation for you.
There is a slight but definite association between the contraceptive pill and artery disease. While the risk is small in healthy individuals, it may be unacceptably high in patients with heart disease. Before starting or restarting the use of the ‘pill’, women should consult their health care provider or their hospital Consultant.
Erectile dysfunction (more commonly known as impotence) is the inability to achieve and/or maintain and erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. This may be a problem for some men after a heart attack. The cause may be physical or psychological. If you feel this applies to you, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse may be able to offer advice and if necessary refer you to a specialist for help. The availability of Viagra has been seen as an important breakthrough in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction; however it's not suitable for all heart patients.
If you think you may benefit from Viagra please seek advice from your GP before using it!
In all, sexual intercourse is rated as mild to moderate exercise, so if you can tolerate exercise, you're probably physically ready for sex.
To make it easier
- Choose a time when you're rested, relaxed, and free from the stress brought on by the day's activities.
- Wait one to three hours after eating a full meal so digestion can take place.
- Select a familiar, peaceful setting that's free from interruptions.
- If prescribed by your doctor, take medicine prior to having sex.
>> General Advice on medications >>
