Picture of coupleSex and Heart Conditions

You can continue to enjoy a happy and healthy sex life even if you have a heart condition.

However, it is normal to feel anxious about resuming your sex life if you have a heart condition.

When can I resume my sex life?

Whether you have angina or are recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery you can usually resume sexual activity as soon as you are feeling well enough. After a heart attack or surgery, this is normally within 4 – 6 weeks.  If you have had heart surgery, think about activities that avoid putting too much pressure on your chest wound in the first few weeks.

There are lots of things that you can do to reduce your anxiety about sex, such as:

  • Choosing a relaxing atmosphere
  • Caressing and touching may be a helpful start to increase your confidence
  • Keeping the room and bed at a comfortable temperature  

When you are ready to resume intercourse think about the following:

  • Avoid having sex after a heavy meal
  • Avoid too much alcohol before sex
  • Find a comfortable position,
  • Ask your  partner to take a more active role
  • If you have a GTN spray or tablets, keep them where you can reach them just in case you need them.

Why am I experiencing a loss of sex drive?

Don’t worry about a loss of sex drive, or impotence. It is a common problem and usually temporary. The emotional stress of your condition or the medicines you have been prescribed could be the cause of your problems. Having diabetes can also affect your sex drive. 

You should not feel embarrassed to talk to your GP, practice nurse or cardiac rehab nurse who will be understanding and can offer you advice and support. For more information on impotence you can download our erectile dysfunction information sheet from our Publications section.  

For further information

You can get more help and support about sex and heart disease by ordering one of our DVDs from our Publications Section  

  • Sex and Heart Disease - a guide for patients and their partners
  • Affairs of the heart - a guide for Asian communities - translated into four South Asian languages: Urdu/Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Bengali. Also available in English
  • Let’s Talk About Sex – information for healthcare professionals

Our Heart HelpLine cardiac nurses and heart health advisors are here to provide you with information and support on anything heart related. 


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