Sexual activity in patients with heart disease.

Sexual activity is a matter of great concerns for cardiac patients. The fear that intercourse will increase the heart rate (the heart works harder) makes the patients lack confidence and depressed. In fact, sexual activity (with the same partner) will increase heart fitness. If patients can climb two flights of stairs briskly without getting chest pain or feeling breathless, it is probably safe to resume sexual activity. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about if the heart disease patients understand what they should and shouldn’t do and strictly follow the guidelines.

Recommendations for heart disease patients and post operative patients.
1. Openly discuss your concerns with your spouse or partner so that he/she understands them.
2. Have enough rest before having sex or choose a time when you are rested, relaxed and free from stress.
3. Make sure the setting is well ventilated and peaceful. It should not be too hot, humid or cold.
4. Should begin slowly, not rushed. Arousal should be done in order to decrease heart’s work.
5. Select the least stressful and most comfortable position. If the patients’ breathlessness is very limiting, you may need to depend on your partner taking a more active role.
6. Frequently changing partners will make the heart work harder.
7. Avoid sexual activity when you feel stressed.
8. Try not to have sex for at least 2-3 hours after having a full meal to allow time for digestion. This will ease stress on the heart.
9. Try not to have sex for three hours after consuming alcohol. Alcohol makes the blood vessels expand and the heart work harder.
10. Stop intercourse if breathlessness develops. Take medication and see the doctor.
11. Several kinds of heart disease medicine produce side effects affecting sexual activity.

Please consult a physician if you have any questions.

Warning signs and how to observe yourself:
If the following symptoms are experienced, it means your heart work harder.
- Chest pain during or after intercourse.
- Increase in respiration rate and pulse for 15 minutes after the intercourse.
- Sleeplessness
- Weak limbs within 24 hours after the sexual activity.

If any of such symptoms develop, see the doctor immediately.

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