Can men with heart issues stay sexually active? 

A regular sex life for men offers many benefits for heart health. But after surviving a heart attack or heart procedure, there will be many questions men should discuss with their doctor.  One question that should be asked and discussed is when can I resume sexual activity after a heart attack?

 Having and surviving a heart attack or heart procedure such as angioplasty will be a life-changing event.  The fear, worry, and anxiety-driven thoughts and feelings can consume both the person who had the heart attack and their partner.  The answer most cardiologists will tell a man is they can resume their sex life after a heart attack, unless there are any conditions that might increase their risk. The good news is most men do not have to give up their sex life due to heart health issues.

Depending on what kind of issues affecting a man’s heart has had, will depend on how it may affect his sexual activity. There needs to be appropriate precautions on sexual activity after a heart attack to avoid the unlikelihood but always a possibility of any kind of a heart-related event during sex.  It is important to remember that each heart attack survivor has their own unique special considerations that need to be taken into account on regarding when is it ok to return to having sex.

Here’s a look at basic guidelines men can review with their doctor before getting the go ahead for intimacy:

·      Men who’ve had heart attacks 

Generally, most doctors advise to refrain from sexual intercourse for at least 2 weeks after a heart attack, if there are no serious complications.  This allows time for the damaged heart muscle to heal. During this time is when most heart attack survivors will be participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program.  This is to help the heart and cardiovascular system to return to tolerating physical exertion in everyday life including sex. 

Every man is different and unique, depending on the severity of their heart attack but a basic guideline is when a man is able to do mild-to-moderate physical activity without issues, such as 10 to 20 minutes of brisk walking or climbing one or two flights of stairs, they should be able to resume sexual activity. Any man, who has been engaging in light exercise with no issues and has no major cardiovascular problems such as valve disease, heart failure, or an uncontrolled abnormal heart rhythm, should be safe to resume their sex life.

Another factor determining when sex can start up again may depend on what medications a man is using. Beta blockers for lowering blood pressure and for improving blood remodeling, can lower sex drive and increase fatigue. Then there are certain medications that should not be taken at the same time. Nitrate medications which help relax arteries and increase blood flow, are contraindicative using if a man is already using erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, or Stendra.  Doing so could result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

·      Men who’ve had heart procedures

Having a heart procedure such as an angioplasty or stent or open coronary artery bypass surgery, should delay sex until they have clearance from the doctor. Angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. A coronary stent is a small, metal mesh tube that expands inside a coronary artery and is often place during or immediately after angioplasty. Men should refrain from sex until their catheter insertion site has healed after these procedures. Also, if the procedure is done through the groin, men will have a longer recovery and will need to consult with their doctor about when sex can resume.

Men who’ve had open coronary artery bypass surgery will need to delay sex until the breastbone has healed, which usually takes about six to eight weeks. Men will need to be careful not to be in positions that put stress on their chest.

After a heart attack or heart surgery, men should be participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program to improve fitness and endurance.  This is to help the heart and cardiovascular system to return to tolerating physical exertion in everyday life including sex. 

·      Men who have other risk factors associated with the heart

Men who’ve not had a heart attack or any surgical procedure for a heart condition, may still need to be careful when it comes to sex. High blood pressure, undiagnosed chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, or carry excess weight, should have these conditions checked out by their physician getting them under control before continuing regular intercourse.

Bottom line 

There is no need for men to feel embarrassed about opening with their doctor to discuss their sexual side of life and what is considered safe. This is essential for resuming normalcy to their lives and to share intimacy with their partner. Not doing so may result in unnecessary worry or strain in their relationship which can easily be avoided once they know what is the recommended advice from their doctor. 

David B. Samadi, MD, Urologic Oncology Expert and Robotic Surgeon located at 485 Madison Avenue on the 21st floor, New York, NY – 212-365-5000.  Follow Dr. Samadi at www.samadimd.com,  www.prostatecancer911.com, and www.roboticoncology.com.