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Serious health events like heart attacks often leave people anxious and unsure about how much they can safely exert themselves. One common concern is whether it is OK to have sex after a heart attack. Recovery can take some time — typically a couple of months — and a return to your usual level of activity should be gradual. It’s important that you follow your doctor’s guidelines about all activity.
Intimacy is an important contributor toward enjoying a good quality of life. However, sex after a heart attack may feel scary or cause anxiety. Or, you may feel depressed after a heart attack and less inclined to be intimate with your partner. Your partner may also be concerned about endangering your health, so both of you may have trouble feeling aroused. Here are some facts about the effects of a heart attack on your sexual health that can help you know when it is safe to enjoy intimacy.
1. Sex affects your heart.
Like any physical endeavor, sex will increase your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. Studies show sex is usually equal to climbing two flights of stairs, which is considered a moderate level of activity. For most patients, exercise after a heart attack — following your doctor’s guidelines — is a good thing and will help your recovery. Sex falls under that umbrella. So in short, if your doctor feels you are stable, sex is not only safe, but could be good for you. It may be reassuring to know that although people may associate sexual activity with heart attacks, it is actually a very infrequent event.
2. Heart medications may affect sexual activity.
Certain drugs doctors prescribe following a heart attack can have sexual side effects. Some high blood pressure medications, including beta blockers and diuretics, may cause impotence because they reduce blood flow. If you experience problems, ask your doctor if there is another medication you can take. ACE inhibitors, for example, work differently and don’t have the same effect.
If you are considering taking a drug for erectile dysfunction (ED), you should talk with your doctor first. ED drugs are generally safe, but you shouldn’t take them if you are on nitrates for angina. Nitrates expand the blood vessels and so do drugs for ED. You should never take them together, or within 24 to 48 hours of each other, depending on the drug. Make sure you understand your medication and follow the guidelines carefully.
Women who have had a heart attack also need to be aware of medications, especially hormones. If you are thinking about starting birth control or getting pregnant, be sure to talk with your doctor first. If you are post-menopausal, it’s generally safe to use topical estrogen to address painful sexual activity.
Whatever your gender, don’t skip the medications that you’ve been given after a heart attack because you’re concerned they could impact your sex drive or function. Your heart health should come first.
3. Check with your doctor about when you can safely have sex after a heart attack.
Before engaging in sexual activity, make sure you know the symptoms that could mean your heart is working too hard. This includes pain or pressure in your chest, becoming lightheaded or dizzy, or having nausea, shortness of breath, or palpitations. If you feel any of these, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
It is possible to resume a normal sex life after a heart attack. If you are ready to rebuild intimacy but feel anxious, try taking small steps first. You can hug or cuddle with your partner. Create a romantic mood with music, a massage, or a soak in a warm tub. There are various ways to be intimate, so find something that works for you. And don't hesitate to talk openly with your doctor, who can help you safely move forward.
