264. Saying “Yes” to Sex after a Heart Attack
Many couples avoid sex after one partner suffers a heart attack, for fear of causing another. But that’s unlikely to happen. As it does during any type of physical exertion, the heart does beat more rapidly during sex, but not dangerously so. An American Heart Association recommendation on “Sexual Activity and Heart Disease” stated, “There is no reason why heart patients or stroke survivors can’t resume usual sexual activity as soon as they feel ready to do so.”
If you or your partner has had a heart attack, ask your doctor when you can resume sex, what signs and symptoms to be alert for, and what to do should sex trigger symptoms of a heart attack.
If you’ve had a heart attack, use these general guidelines concerning sex.
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•Get regular physical activity as advised by your doctor.
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•Plan on a time and place for sex when you are rested, feel relaxed, and where you won’t be interrupted. (You may find it’s better to have sex in the morning, when you’re less likely to be tired, than later in the day or at night.)
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•Wait 1 to 3 hours after eating a full meal before engaging in sexual activity.
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•If your doctor so advises, take medication as prescribed before engaging in sex.
