Sexual intercourse results in a modest amount of energy expenditure comparable to that of mild-to-moderate physical exercise like brisk walking or climbing two flights of stairs (3-5 METS). The cardiovascular risk linked to sexual activity is therefore rather low, with some caution needed for cardiac patients. While sexual activity may be resumed as early as the first week after myocardial infarction, it is generally recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse for 6-8 weeks following open heart surgery. The issue of sexual activity in cardiac patients should be addressed at every medical visit, and the practitioner should deliver a message in line with official guidelines.
What is already known about the topic?
Sexual activity, which is good for both physical and moral health, in addition to being a source of personal fulfillment, involves a certain degree of energy expenditure. As shown, both the elderly patients or those suffering from cardiac disease may decide to reduce or entirely abandon sexual activity out of fear for a hypothetical risk, and this often due to anxiety or depression.
What does this article bring up for us?
This article aims to answer three questions:
1. What are the cardiovascular effects and risks of sexual activity in general?
2. What do the official guidelines say about sexual practices in various heart diseases?
3. How should the doctor address this issue, and what solutions can he offer to his patient(s)?
Key Words
Sexual activity, cardiac risk, cardiovascular disease, medical advice