Sex and Heart Disease

People with heart disease and their partners are often understandably anxious about how sex may affect the heart.  Many people with heart conditions continue to enjoy sex and for those people who have undergone a treatment for their heart condition, most of them are able to return to their sex life.

Like any other physical activity, having sex can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. This increases the work of the heart and for some people with a heart condition, sex may bring on symptoms such as breathlessness or chest discomfort. However, sex is just as safe as other equally energetic forms of physical activity or exercise.  It is usually fine to have sex if you can climb two flights of stairs briskly without getting chest discomfort or becoming breathless.

It is helpful if you and your partner are relaxed about having sex again.  Don't worry if your attempts seem difficult.

Here are some helpful suggestions:

• Avoid having sex after a heavy meal
• Don't have too much alcohol before sex
• Keep the room warm and avoid cold sheets
• Choose a relaxing atmosphere
• Get into a comfortable position.  Your partner may take the more active role
• If you have a GTN spray or tablets, keep it where you can reach it just in case you need it.

Remember that there are alternatives to intercourse for giving and receiving pleasure.  Touching and caressing may be a useful start to increase confidence.

Loss of sex drive is not uncommon after illness. Some men may experience impotence.  This may be the result of the emotional stress you are feeling.  However, occasionally it can also be the result of drug treatment, such as beta-blockers, which can affect your sex drive. 

It may also be the result of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Impotence is a common problem; so if you are having difficulties, talk to your doctor about it. 

If you have had a heart attack or surgery you can resume sex as soon as you feel you have recovered, for most people this is within a few weeks.  If you have had heart surgery, be careful not to put any pressure or stress on the chest wound.

More information

See our fact sheet on erectile dysfunction under our FAQ section.

Sex and Heart Disease - a DVD guide for patients and their partners - order from our Publications section

Affairs of the heart - a DVD aimed at the five Asian communities and is translated into four South Asian languages: Urdu/Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Bengali.  It is also available in English - order from our Publications section 

Let’s Talk About Sex – information on DVD for healthcare professionals - order from our Publications section

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