There is a lot of speculation among heart patients whether sex is advisable. Having a heart attack or undergoing a heart surgery is not the end of the world, let alone to a satisfying sex life. In fact resuming sex can make one feel secure and happy. The only thing one has to do is to check with the doctor for some guidelines.
To dispel the fear of having another heart attack during intercourse, an interesting study was carried out in the US. ECG electrodes were attached to many patients who suffered heart attacks.
The ECG was recorded throughout the day, including during the period of intercourse. The study revealed that at the time of orgasm, the heart rate went up to 120 beats per minute and after 2 minutes it came down to less than 100 beats per minute. More than 80 percent of patients did not have a problem in having sex.
To dispel the fear of having another heart attack during intercourse, an interesting study was carried out in the US. ECG electrodes were attached to many patients who suffered heart attacks.
The ECG was recorded throughout the day, including during the period of intercourse. The study revealed that at the time of orgasm, the heart rate went up to 120 beats per minute and after 2 minutes it came down to less than 100 beats per minute. More than 80 percent of patients did not have a problem in having sex.
How long to wait?
How long should one wait after a heart attack or bypass surgery? It is difficult to give a general answer to this question because each one has to be evaluated individually.
On an average, it takes about 6-8 weeks for healing. This period is the minimum recommended time for staying away from sex with one's partner. A stress test is done a couple of months after a heart attack, to give a fair idea of the recovery of the heart and how much stress it can bear.
But it is safe to say that you can have sex again when you can resume your other daily activities. If you can walk up two flights of stairs without any discomfort you are probably ready to have sex again. This can be substantiated by a stress (Treadmill) test to give you reassurance.
Medicines
How long should one wait after a heart attack or bypass surgery? It is difficult to give a general answer to this question because each one has to be evaluated individually.
On an average, it takes about 6-8 weeks for healing. This period is the minimum recommended time for staying away from sex with one's partner. A stress test is done a couple of months after a heart attack, to give a fair idea of the recovery of the heart and how much stress it can bear.
But it is safe to say that you can have sex again when you can resume your other daily activities. If you can walk up two flights of stairs without any discomfort you are probably ready to have sex again. This can be substantiated by a stress (Treadmill) test to give you reassurance.
Medicines
Many medicines given to heart patients like heparin, tranquillizers, anti-hypertensive and antidepressants can take away one's interest in sex. If such a thing happens and you wish to resume sex, discuss the subject with your doctor. He will help you to lower the dosage of the medication.
Coupling with angina
Coupling with angina
There are some people who have never suffered a heart attack but have the problem of angina (chest pain due to heart disease). How safe is it for them to indulge in sex? In such situation, the evaluation has to be done by a physician/cardiologist.
A stress test is recommended, as there is a likelihood of having anginal chest pain during sexual activity. The patient should keep his tablets close by and can take if he/she develops a chest pain.
Safety tips
A stress test is recommended, as there is a likelihood of having anginal chest pain during sexual activity. The patient should keep his tablets close by and can take if he/she develops a chest pain.
Safety tips
- Take it easy: After a heart attack or surgery, the first time you have sex, be careful and do not attempt intercourse. If there is no chest pain and breathlessness for a couple of days, you can proceed.
- Avoid sex when tired: Many men will find that the best time to have sex is first thing in the morning. Alternatively, have a short nap and they try having sex.
- Have sex in familiar surroundings like your own bedroom.
- Keep the room temperature comfortable.
- Do not have sex immediately after meals as it puts additional strain on the heart. You should wait for at least 2-3 hours before having sex.
- Do not drink alcohol as it might stimulate the heart.
- Use positions which are comfortable and you have no trouble breathing. If you develop breathlessness, rapid heartbeat, a feeling of extreme fatigue, giddiness, irregular heartbeat or chest pain, consult your doctor the next morning.
- Avoid sex with someone other than your regular partner or spouse. It makes extra risks.
- There are no standard rules even after clearance by your doctor and after taking proper medicines. If you are not comfortable with the sex act for any reason, which may even, be psychological, avoid it.
Sex is not all
In spite of the doctor's reassurance some couples may not be able to overcome their fears and resume sex.
It is important to remember that expressions of sex can range from the pleasure of being near someone, to touching and holding, to embracing, caressing and that satisfaction comes not just from sexual intercourse.
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