Sex and the broken heart

When can I start having sex again?

• After myocardial infarction or CABG

• After angioplasty or stent

When can I start having sex again?

• After myocardial infarction or CABG

– After 2-3 weeks

• After angioplasty or stent

– After 2-3 days

What about sex with my angina?

• If stable anginaand– Can walk 1 mile in 20 minutes on the flat

or– Can walk down 13 steps in 10 seconds

No change

What happens if I get angina during or after sex?

• Stand up or sit down to reduce cardiac output

• Take a measure of brandy or whisky to vasodilate

What about sex with a regular partner?

• Heart rate rises to 110-130 per minute• BP rises to 150-180 systolic• Workload rises to 3-4 metabolic equivalents

(1 mile in 20 minutes on the flat) orVigorous sex : 4-5 metabolic equivalents(a round of golf)

What about sex with someone else?

• Casual or extramarital sex• Heart rate rises to 200 per minute• BP rises to 210 systolic• 80% of sudden cardiac death after sex

Remember

Erectile dysfunction can be a marker for cardiovascular disease

Reference

British Journal of Sexual Medicine 2007: Vol 30 No 2 p 3

Health & Medicine