Men with cardiovascular disease – especially after a heart attack – often fear that sexual intercourse could overload the ailing heart. In some cases, this is compounded by depression or fear of failing during sexual intercourse.
Cardiovascular disease as a culprit in sexual dysfunction
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of sexual dysfunction. Affected patients face multiple burdens in this regard:
- On the one hand, by the psychological stress of heart disease.
- A reduced physical capacity and the associated restrictions in the way of life.
- As well as their own fears.
It is therefore important to be informed about the disease and the right lifestyle, as well as regularly take the necessary medication.
Sexual problems put a strain on the partnership
Problems with sexuality due to heart disease often lead to a kink in self-confidence in men. Many patients, especially after a heart attack, also voluntarily limit their sex life. At the same time, the physical “performance” during lovemaking is overestimated by most people. Normal sexual intercourse is generally no more stressful for the heart than walking up three to four flights of stairs or shoveling snow for ten minutes. “If you resume activities such as walking or driving after a heart attack, you can resume sexual activity,” according to guidelines from the prestigious American Heart Association.
A doctor’s visit brings clarity
But if you are unsure whether you are already fit enough for your partner again after a heart attack, you can have your doctor check your heart’s performance with an exercise ECG, for example. By the way, palpitations, heavy breathing or sweating after sex are quite normal. Only when pain is added or the changes last longer than 15 minutes should you be careful and seek a consultation with your doctor soon. He helps in the correct assessment of the complaints.
Medications can affect sexuality
Sometimes, however, medications are to blame for a lack of desire for sex or a decrease in stamina in men. Heart patients usually always need to take one, and usually several, medications to improve physical stamina or reduce the risk of serious complications. However, some drugs used to treat heart disease – diuretics, but also antidepressants and especially the so-called beta-blockers – can reduce potency and sexual desire. If uncertain, patients should discuss their situation with their physician.
Beware of potency drugs!
Men who medicate with sexual enhancers do not live entirely without danger. Because the combination with certain heart drugs, such as the nitrates, can lead to a drop in blood pressure. If blood pressure is too low, the heart is also no longer supplied with sufficient blood. Patients with very severe cardiovascular disease, such as unstable angina or severe heart failure with symptoms even at rest, who are advised not to engage in sexual activity, should not use drugs to treat erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion
Heart patients do not automatically have to abstain from sexual activity. The fear of overtaxing the heart through sexual activity is unfounded in most cases. Even if physical or mental problems place limits on lovemaking, one should not forgo tenderness in a relationship.
