Cardiovascular diseases are a real scourge of our era. Most people on the planet die from them today (almost 18 million annually), and no viruses can compete with heart diseases in terms of lethality. Most heart pathologies can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle: not smoking, exercising regularly, walking and eating well. But if the disease has already developed, along with a prescription for medications, the doctor will recommend stricter measures to prevent complications — a special diet, abstinence from alcohol and heavy physical exertion. And what about sex?
How to understand that sex does not threaten the work of the heart
During sex, the heart beats more often, which means it experiences an additional load. However, this load is comparable to walking up stairs or jogging. In addition, it can not always be called long-lasting. If your illness is under control, your condition is stable and you cope with such tasks, sex will not hurt you. The likelihood of a heart attack in this case is negligible, and the long-term benefits of physical activity outweigh all the risks. But if the disease manifests itself in the form of obvious symptoms, it is better to refuse any significant physical activity before going to the doctor. They should alert you:
- Chest pain,
- Shortness of breath,
- Arrhythmia,
- Nausea and indigestion.
Who should refuse sex better
Abstain from making love should be if the disease is in an acute phase, and the symptoms cannot be controlled with medication. Then the first step to returning to a full life will be the appointment of effective drugs and treatment.
In no case should patients with heart failure refuse medications prescribed by their attending physician for fear of a decrease in libido. It is also not necessary to try to regain sexual desire with the help of herbs and dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about taking medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, birth control or estrogen.
Many refuse to have sex after heart surgery. This is really a reasoned contraindication. Sexual rest is recommended to be observed at least a few weeks after surgical interventions. The reason to delay sex for one or two weeks may also be a heart attack.
How sex helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy
Like any kind of physical activity, in the long term, sex may not be harmful, but beneficial for the fragile cardiovascular system. Regular sex (2-3 times a week) does not increase, but reduces the risk of heart attacks, whereas rare sex 1 time a month or less can negatively affect the condition of the heart and blood vessels. The same rule applies to people with a history of heart attack. Those who have had a heart attack have a 27% lower risk of experiencing another one by having sex several times a week, compared to those who completely abstain from intimacy. Weekly intimacy is also effective, but the effect is less – 12%.
It’s quite simple to explain. Firstly, sex can be regarded as exercises for training the heart muscle. With regular exercise, it, like morning jogging, strengthens the heart, helps to reduce blood pressure, reduces stress levels and improves the quality of sleep at night. Secondly, do not underestimate sex as a way to get closer to a partner. It makes relationships stronger, which means it can help to cope with feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety.
How to have sex safely with heart disease
- Choose a time when you and your partner are both rested and can relax. Don’t have sex right after eating.
- Do not drink alcohol if you plan intimacy.
- Retire to familiar and comfortable places.
- Before sex, take the medicine prescribed by your doctor.
- Start with hugs and caresses. Proceed to sex only if there are no cardiac symptoms during foreplay.
- Choose comfortable and proven poses. Keep in mind that the top position requires a lot of energy.
Talk to your partner about any problems that arise. Decreased attraction in cardiovascular diseases is a common phenomenon associated with impaired blood flow and insufficient blood supply to the pelvic organs. Risk factors for heart disease (diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, hypertension) can cause erectile dysfunction.