Let's talk about sex (and heart attacks)

Our nurse Cathy Ross unpicks the findings of a study linking sex and heart attacks to show why we need not fear a bit of nooky.

Wednesday, 23 March 2011

Heart attacks and sex have always proved popular with TV and filmmakers. But today a new analysis of previous studies highlights a genuine link between the two, suggesting the on-screen event can – and does - happen in real life.

But before we all take a vow of chastity and stockpile modest pyjamas, let’s take a look at the facts.

First off, it’s important to note that this study concentrated on what ‘triggers’ heart attacks - the final straw that sets off the event. This is very different to what causes heart attacks.

Before we all take a vow of chastity and stockpile modest pyjamas, let’s take a look at the facts

However, if the artery lining breaks, a blood clot forms to prevent any of the atheroma breaking off and travelling around the body. The clot can block off the artery, stopping the blood supply to that part of your heart completely. This is a heart attack.

So if you already have heart disease - a build up of these fatty deposits - sex can bring on an angina attack or very rarely trigger a heart attack. But it is not the cause of your heart attack.

The same is true for other physical activity mentioned in the new research – it can trigger a heart attack if you already have heart disease, but won’t cause one by itself.

Rightly the study acknowledged that the risk of a heart attack from sex or other sporadic physical activity was small, and that being physically active on a regular basis reduced this even further.

So make no mistake, physical activity is good for your heart and this study should not be an excuse to avoid it. If you have heart disease, you should speak to your doctor or cardiac rehabilitation nurse about the best type of activity for you. For everyone else we recommend you aim for 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity at least five times a week. This doesn’t have to be pumping iron in the gym; a brisk walk, gardening or anything else that gets you slightly out of breath but still able to hold a conversation fits the bill.

Smoking, being overweight or obese, having high cholesterol or high blood pressure are all key players in actually causing heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack. These are the things we can and should be doing something about, rather than worrying about whether it’s ok to have sex.