Sexual activity is an important component of quality of life for patients with cardiovascular disease and their partners. The following questions and answers attempt to clarify different aspects related to it.
What effect does sex have on my heart?
From the first moments of activity, there is an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, increasing with sexual arousal and being maximal in the seconds that the orgasm lasts, to quickly return to its starting point. On very rare occasions the heart rate exceeds 130 beats per minute and the systolic blood pressure exceeds 170 mm Hg.
What level of effort is involved in sexual activity?
Although in each person and in each situation the level of effort required for sexual activity may vary, in general we can say that it is the equivalent of climbing 2 or 3 flights of stairs.
Is it common for sexual activity to decrease after suffering a heart disease?
Yes, it is quite frequent. On many occasions it is associated with the existence of anxiety and/or depression.
Can I have angina pectoris when having sex? What about a heart attack?
If you do moderate physical activity without angina, it is rare for angina to appear with sexual activity. On the other hand, although it is true that sexual activity is associated with an increase in the probability of suffering a myocardial infarction, this risk is very low (less than 1%), especially in individuals who habitually do physical exercise and have frequent sexual activity.
Can I suffer a sudden death during sexual intercourse?
The risk is very low. It is more frequent in extramarital sexual activity, with younger partners outside the usual environment and after abundant food and alcohol intake.
I have a history of heart attack / angina and since a few days ago I feel chest pain when walking, can I have sex?
In this situation, you should not have sexual intercourse and you should contact the appropriate medical service.
If I have heart failure, can I have sex?
If you experience shortness of breath with very little exertion, you should refrain from sexual activity.
I have a heart valve problem, can I have sex?
If you have shortness of breath, chest pain or dizziness with very little exertion, you should refrain from sexual activity.
Can I be sexually active if I have a cardiac pacemaker or an automatic implantable defibrillator?
Yes, as long as you can perform moderate exercise without difficulty and your clinical situation is stable, with no recent episodes of arrhythmias or defibrillator discharges.
I have suffered a heart problem and I want to restart my sexual activity, what should I do?
Consult your doctor, who will provide you with the necessary advice to do it safely and without unfounded fears. Sometimes he or she may recommend that you join a cardiac rehabilitation program. As a general rule of thumb, after a myocardial infarction you should wait a week or more before resuming sexual activity, several days after a cardiac catheterization and 6-8 weeks after cardiac surgery. My doctor has told me that I should not be sexually active because my physical condition does not allow it… Nowadays, cardiac rehabilitation programs provide excellent results and help to improve the quality of life of individuals with heart problems, including improving sexual activity.
Can heart medications deteriorate my sexual activity?
The likelihood is very low, especially with newer treatments. However, in rare cases, it is possible to have this side effect.
I have a heart problem, can I use erectile dysfunction medications?
If they are recommended by your urologist there is no inconvenience in their use, always avoiding their use together with drugs called nitrates (for example, nitroglycerin patches). Consult your doctor; he/she is the health professional who can provide you with more information and help you solve your doubts, as well as indicate the tests you may need, such as an ergometry or stress test.