Men who have experienced a heart attack are often concerned and anxious about having sex in the months and years following it. Research has shown that sexual activity often decreases because of the fear that it may cause another heart attack, possibly leading to death. Men also report higher levels of erectile dysfunction and decreased levels of sexual contact than prior to the attack.
A heart attack is a dramatic event in anyone's life and often comes as a complete shock. The changes such an event can have on the way you think and behave are often profound. In some cases they can be a good thing resulting in some positive life changes. However, unfounded fears are counter-productive. So what should you do?
Be realistic. Seek answers to any questions you have and get information and advice from healthcare professionals.
Do you have to talk about your sex life to someone you hardly know? Well yes and no.
Following a heart attack health professionals should know that you will want guidance on a number of issues and they should advise you on lifestyle, medications, exercise and sex. The topic of sex can be difficult for both the patient and medical staff and the subject is too often avoided. Yet it is vital that you get the information so that you can make a complete recovery.
Do you need to worry?
]Think of it this way, sex, in general puts the same amount of pressure on the heart as a brisk 20 minute walk, and the orgasm adds up to a walk up the stairs. Statistics suggest that only 1 per cent of heart attacks are triggered by sexual activity. If you have had a heart attack and have made lifestyle changes that lead to a healthier you, then the stats should go in your favor even more! Do you stop going up the stairs or going for a brisk walk because you have a 1 per cent chance of another heart attack? No you don't.
Exercise is good for the heart and sexual activity is just another form of exercise. So contrary to some men's fears regular sexual activity actually protects against death, especially death resulting from heart attack.
Tests will have been done prior to your discharge from hospital for the cause and extent of damage to the heart. A progressive structure of exercise and advice on any changes to your diet, such as fat reduction, weight loss or low salt, quitting smoking, and a regime of medication. The only way to find out specifics is to ask questions. Most doctors will say that as long as no adverse symptoms such as breathlessness or chest pains are experienced on exertion (climbing stairs, a brisk walk), then resuming sexual activity will be safe.
What if I do get chest pains or breathlessness?
If you do find you get chest pains (angina) or breathlessness then you must discuss it with your doctor. He/she may suggest you take medication such as sublingual glyceryl trinitrate or buccal. It could of course also be that your anxiety and fear are causing the symptoms and if this is the case then supportive advice should alleviate your worries.
If you still experience problems then the doctor should refer you for more specialist help.
Sex, Heart Attacks and Extramarital Affairs
Cardiologist Dr Graham Jackson has found that 75 per cent of deaths that do occur during sexual intercourse are in people having extra marital affairs and in men who are much older than their sexual partners!
With good medical follow up and support there should be no reason why you should not return to a full sex life, just avoid extra marital affairs and much younger partners!
