Hectic pressure measurement, a glance from behind the glasses at the display and an explosion of joy. Does having sex with people who have a heart attack really have to start, like between Erica and Harry in the funny 2003 production “Better late than never”?
Many of us, wanting to raise the subject of sexual life in the context of heart disease with a doctor, cannot muster up the courage, and in the end avoid this sphere as much as possible. Unfortunately, it is rare to find a doctor who will explain everything on his own initiative.
The myth of killer sex
Among people with heart and circulatory system diseases, the number of people with disorders in the sexual sphere is growing, regardless of gender. They may concern the reluctance to make carnal love in women and the lack of erection, or difficulties with maintaining it in men. Disseminated vascular changes are the most numerous cause of this, only 1/10 of all cases are affected by a psychological background, while mixed causes reach 1/5 of the pool of disorders. The deposition of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries also promotes sexual dysfunction.
Nearly 60% of men and women among cardiological patients are afraid of having a heart attack during intercourse. Some, trying to spare themselves physical effort, give up carnal love. The restrictions they face without consulting a doctor often push them into depressive states. Perversely, there are no recommendations that would order patients to completely exclude themselves from their current lives. On the contrary, activity strengthens the efficiency of the heart and prevents the development of the disease. Regarding sports, it is worth consulting a physiotherapist.
We can make love 2 weeks after the heart attack without complications. Unfortunately, the myth persists in society. Studies of sudden cardiac deaths have shown that during sex it is only 0,6%. The effort during this time is lighter than going up the stairs and comparable to making the bed. Nevertheless, the doctor should classify us in advance to 1 of 3 risk groups. Only when we are in the high one, we should not engage in a sexual act, in the middle one we should limit it, while staying in the low one we can make love without limits.
Poor exercise tolerance can be an obstacle, advanced degree of cardiac disease or pain at rest. Although there are no reliable sources indicating a heart attack after intercourse, we can reduce the risk by making love with a regular partner in a trusted place. Before that, we should not consume alcohol or excessive portions of food. However, an implanted defibrillator is not a contraindication. Let’s exercise regularly and learn to recognize angina pain. If he shows up, let’s stop having sex immediately.
Counteracting disorders
If we smoke, we must give up cigarettes. The key is the support of a loved one and a psychologist, proper therapy of the underlying disease, regular, individually selected exercise, normalized weight, diabetes control, as well as a well-balanced diet. To strengthen the sexual condition, supplements are most often used. However, they should be taken carefully, especially when taking drugs classified as nitrates.