5 Frequently asked questions about sex and cardiovascular disease
by Georgios Papadimas | 18 April 2019
Patients often ask: is sex good for the heart?
The question seems simple. The answer is complicated.
Here are the questions.
Is sex exercise?
Yes, but it's not excessive exercise. You're not going to burn your daily calories during a sexual encounter.
On average, 15 minutes of sex is the same amount of activity as 20 minutes of walking. Heart rate is about 120 bpm.
In other words you get a minimal cardiovascular workout from sex. Don't count it as a workout.
Is it good for your heart?
Probably. For example, one study found that men who had sex twice a week or more were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who had sex once a month or less.
Sex is part of an overall cardiovascular and healthy lifestyle. (It is an indicator of health)
Will anyone prove that sex is good for your heart?
Probably not. For example, observational studies can establish a correlation, not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.
If you have cardiovascular disease is sex dangerous?
Not the vast majority. Patients often ask after cardiovascular events. If you are fit for sex, we encourage you.
Your blood pressure will rise during sexual intercourse to about 160/90mm Hg.
This is comparable to what happens during a hurried run for a few minutes.
Does it benefit your overall health?
Yes, it is possible. Even if it's not a high-intensity exercise, it's part of a general healthy lifestyle. It will make you more relaxed, happier and less stressed.
Sex is good for your heart and for your overall health.
When you are ready to start having sex again, think about the following:
- Avoid sex after a heavy meal, as there is a risk of indigestion after eating and it can mimic chest pain. This can cause you to feel dizzy.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol before sex as it can make you dizzy and increase the risk of arrhythmias.
- Find a comfortable position during intercourse and ask your partner to take a more active role.
- Keep your medicines nearby to reach them in case you need them.
The good news is that with the supervision of the right doctor, medicines such as Viagra (sildeuafil), Levitra (vardeuafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) can be used by men with cardiovascular disease.
However, they should never be used in combination with nitroglycerin which is commonly used to treat episodes of chest pain.
If taken together a life-threatening drop in blood pressure may occur.
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