If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with heart problems or has had a heart attack, you might be concerned about engaging in sexual relations. In most cases, you don't need to worry.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends heart patients resume usual sexual activity as soon as they feel ready for it.
Not Strenuous Exercise
Research has shown that a man's heart rate rarely gets higher than 130 beats a minute during intercourse. That's about the same as raking leaves or walking up a couple flights of stairs. Playing 18 holes of golf (without using a cart) can burn the same number of calories as engaging in sexual intercourse.
In all, sexual intercourse is rated as mild to moderate exercise. If you can tolerate exercise, you're probably physically ready for sex. Here are some general guidelines outlined by the AHA:
- 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 sexual relations.
Evaluate the Risk
The International Consensus Conference on Sexual Activity and Cardiac Risk issued guidelines to help you determine when sex is safe for you. Heart experts from around the world found that major risk factors and personal history determine the risk of heart attack during sex. Major risk factors for heart attack are age, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyle.
If you're recovering from a heart attack, you should wait at least two weeks before engaging in intercourse – and then attempt it after only after passing a cardiac stress test, cardiovascular evaluation, and echocardiogram. In the meantime, you can maintain intimacy by cuddling and kissing.
If it's been six to eight weeks since your heart attack, and you have two or fewer risk factors, you're good to go.
If you have three or more major risk factors, refrain from sexual intercourse until you have clearance from your physician.
Not Feeling Ready?
Serious health problems can dampen your sexual drive. If you don't feel like engaging in sex, that's OK. General depression is normal when you're recovering from heart problems and other major illnesses – as are mood swings and anxiety about your ability to perform sexually. You might need time to work out your stress, depression, or fears.
About three months is an average emotional recovery time for heart patients, but each person is different. Additionally, a major illness such as this can magnify any problems you and your partner had. Don't be embarrassed to talk to your healthcare team. Your problems and concerns aren't unique to you – and your doctor has heard them from someone before you.
If you aren't feeling well, don't initiate sex – even if you've been recently active. And, of course, if you experience any symptoms during sexual activity, stop immediately and get in contact with your physician. |
