by Opal Minott

Created on: December 09, 2009   Last Updated: December 10, 2009

    After a heart attack you should take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of another cardiac event.Sexual activities should not be eliminated as a precaution because sexual activities do not result in blockage of the cardiac arteries.On the contrary,sex is not only safe but may even be beneficial.It lowers stress levels,burn calories and promote weight loss.Sex is comparable to aerobic exercise,which increases heart rate and results in cardiac conditioning.(

www.ehow.com/how_4824673_safe-sex-after-heart-attack .html)

    It is advisable to wait for about one month before resuming sex.Some men who have heart disease may also have erectile dysfunction,which will impede the resumption of sex.The medication used to treat hypertension and heart disease may also cause erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. (www.ehow.com/how_4824673_safe-sex-after-heart-attack .html)There are two exceptions to the advice that sex is safe after a heart attack: “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!”  (Jerry Kennard Updated August 06,2006 menshealth.about.com/cs/midlifers/a/heart_sexlife.ht m)

      It is advised that heart attack survivors should request an exercise stress test prior to discharge from hospital to determine the level of activity that the heart can cope with.The stress test will help you determine your healthy heart rate  ranges.Under a doctors instruction you may begin to exercise by doing light stretching and walking around the hospital room and hall ways.(Cleveland Van Cecilwww.ehow.com/how_5669176_exercise-after-heart-a ttack.html)

      It is also advisable to obtain a heart rate monitor for your exercise,for the purpose described as follows “ When working out check the monitor regularly to make sure you are not above a good heart rate for your condition. A safe area to work out in is between 50 to 80 percent of the maximum heart rate determined by your doctor. If your doctor requests you work out in the hospitals rehabilitation center, either your doctor or a therapist will be available to assist you in finding the correct exercises to keep you in your target heat rate”. .(Cleveland Van Cecilwww.ehow.com/how_5669176_exercise-after-heart-a ttack.html)

     

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