by Jane Hendry

Created on: December 07, 2009   Last Updated: December 10, 2009

Sex after a heart attack

A heart attack often comes as a shock, with no prior warning, to people who may think there is little wrong with their lifestyle. These people could be genetically susceptible, have unhealthy habits such as smoking or a poor quality diet, or they could be under a great deal of stress. Whatever the causes, a heart attack brings home the fact that we are vulnerable, and forces us to initiate some life changes to improve our heart health.

One of the areas which causes great concern and often embarrassment too, is the question of post heart attack sex. The fears that weigh on the minds of heart attack patients include the thought that they may suffer another heart attack whilst having sex, that sex could bring on another heart attack later due to the exertion, and the emotional effect on their partner of witnessing a heart attack whilst, or shortly after having sex. According to WebMD there are also other factors that can decrease sexual desire after a heart attack, such as depression. One of the side effects of depression is often a drop in libido and heart attack has been linked to depression after the event. According to the American Heart Association depression is normal in about 85% of patients and usually goes within about three months.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/sex-afte r-a-heart-attack?page=2

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identif ier=4714

The problem is that it is often difficult and uncomfortable to talk to your doctor about sex, but it is very important to do so in order to put your fears to rest by having the knowledge that will empower your decisions.

While these fears do have some chance of being realised it is a very slim one, say cardiologists. According to Men's Health you have a one percent chance of having another heart attack from the kind of exertion you get from sex, a brisk 20 minute walk or climbing up a flight of stairs. You wouldn't resist the latter two in fear of a heart attack, so why resist sex? Sex is exercise and, as moderate exercise after a heart attack is prescribed in order to help the heart recover, there is no reason why sex can't also be included. Experts believe that sex is the equivalent of climbing a flight of stairs, so if you can get to the top of a flight of stairs without feeling chest pains, or angina, and without being too short of breath, then you are probably healthy enough to have sex.

http://menshealth.about.com/cs/midlifers/a/heart_sex life.htm

There are certain

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