Sex With Heart Failure: Is It Safe?

Introduction

Sex is a form of moderate exercise. It usually falls under the same activity level as climbing stairs. It is very common for a person with heart failure to worry about having sex, which they might think can worsen their heart condition. The concern is more after any procedure or surgery. Heart failure medications tend to reduce the sex drive or may result in some unpleasant sexual side effects. Most people with heart failure have very little sex or no sex at all due to the heart condition. Read the article to know more.

What Is Meant by Heart Failure?

Heart failure is also called congestive heart failure. This is a condition that occurs when the body does not pump enough blood required for the body’s needs. This occurs when the heart cannot fill with enough blood. This can also happen if the heart does not pump the blood properly. Some common symptoms of this condition are fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and swollen legs. Some management methods for this condition are:

• Proper intake of prescribed medications.

• Intake of limited amount of salt.

• Limited fluid intake.

• In some cases, a pacemaker will be inserted.

How to Involve in Sex Life After Having a Heart Failure?

The person affected by heart failure should follow a cardiac rehabilitation plan. This rehabilitation plan is a supervised program that involves counseling, education, and physical activity. This program helps to build up heart health and improves endurance after any heart event. Cardiac rehabilitation and exercise can reduce the problem related to sex-related complications. The American Heart Association has said that there are chances for heart attacks due to sex. So, waiting until the doctor says the person’s heart condition is stable is always better.

What Are the Signs That Says the Person Is Healthy Enough to Have Sex?

Most of the people affected by heart disease are worried about having sex as they think sex can result in a heart attack. However, the percentage of a person having a heart attack due to sex is very low. The person should avoid sex if they experience some symptoms related to heart disease, such as:

• Chest pain.

• Shortness of breath.

• Irregular heartbeat.

• Nausea.

• Indigestion.

Is There Any Chance of Heart Attack Due to Sex?

For a person with a stable heart, any form of physical activity such as running, aerobic exercise, or even sexual activity does not cause any risk. But for people with heart disease, it can cause some complications and can result in heart attack. So, the person should refrain from these physical activities, including sex, until the doctors confirm they have a stable heart.

What Are the Heart Benefits of Sex?

Instead of causing any trouble, sex can benefit the health of the heart. Some studies show that men who have regular sex twice a week and women who have satisfying sex have a very low chance of having heart attacks. As sex is a form of exercise, it has many benefits, such as it helps to strengthen the heart, reduce blood pressure, enhance sleep, and lower stress. In addition to these benefits, regular sex and intimacy can improve the bonding between partners and can build up a strong social connection. It also helps to reduce feelings of depression, loneliness, and anxiety, which can be a risk factor for heart disease.

How Can a Heart Condition Affect the Sex Life of a Person?

In many cases, sexual-related issues are caused by a heart condition or circulatory condition itself or worries or stress related to this condition. The medication taken for heart conditions can cause some side effects like erectile dysfunction, where the person cannot manage an erection. If the person is affected by a heart condition, then they can experience some symptoms related to sex, such as:

• Reduced sexual drive.

• Erectile dysfunction or impotence.

• Vaginal dryness.

• People will find it difficult to reach the orgasm.

How Soon a Person Can Have Sex After Being Treated for Heart Condition?

Whether the person has angina or is recovering from any heart surgery or a heart condition, they can engage in sexual activity as soon as they feel well enough, which is usually about two to eight weeks, depending on the heart condition and the recovery period the person takes. If the person has undergone any heart surgery, the recovery time may be longer. The person should be conscious not to pressurize the operated region during the time of sexual activity. Sex is also a form of exercise, and a person can be involved in sex if they can walk a mile without any discomfort.

How Can a Person Lower the Anxiety Regarding Having Sex?

There are many ways how a person can reduce sex anxiety; some are:

• Having an open conversation regarding the concerns of the partner.

• Finding new ways to be intimate.

• Altering the time of involvement in sexual activity.

• Keeping the room and bed at a comfortable temperature.

• Involving in sex in a relaxed atmosphere.

Certain things need to be avoided, such as

• The person should not be involved in sex after a heavy meal. This can result in indigestion, which can feel like chest pain.

• Intake of too much alcohol needs to be avoided as it can cause lightheadedness and enhance the risk of arrhythmias.

• The person should find a comfortable position that works better for them.

• The person can ask their partner to take up a more active role if they can do it.

• The person should have their tablets next to them in case they need any.

When to See a Doctor?

The person should be open with their cardiologist regarding the sexual act. Discussing such things may be embarrassing for some people, but maintaining a peaceful mind is very important. The doctor needs to be informed if the person is going to be sexually active even after the diagnosis of a heart disease. This can help the doctor prescribe the medications accordingly, and they can provide some instructions on what should be followed.

Conclusion

The sexual act is a form of exercise, but involving in sex after the diagnosis of a heart condition is a huge concern for many people. The person can be involved in sexual activities after diagnosis or surgery only when their heart is stable. In some cases, sexual acts can be a causative factor for heart attack. So, it is important to discuss with the doctor before involving in any sexual act.