The heart is one of the major organs of the body and its complications, if they occur, have major repercussions. A heart attack is one of the common conditions that may happen due to a variety of reasons: age, stress, and more. The effects of heart attack are also plenty. It affects every aspect of the patient’s life, intimacy too. Let’s take a look at what are the effects of heart attack on the sex life of the patient.
Effects of heart attack on sex life: Is it safe?
The first and the most basic question that often comes to mind is how safe is sex after having a heart attack. After all, the activity involves a rigorous workout with all the senses pitching in. With the heart having suffered a major attack recently, is it safe to assume that it will be stable enough to sustain the passionate act?
Some of the common after effects of heart attack are shortness of breath and constant lethargy. That means that even an act that requires minimum efforts can leave you gasping for breath. In such a situation, the urge to have sex and its subsequent fulfillment does look tricky.
Scientifically, having sex is not considered an extreme form of workout. It is almost equivalent to taking two flights of stairs. Yet, many people complain of fatigue and numerous issues in their sex life, deeming it one of the dampening effects of heart attack.
The common medical perception is that sex life after heart attack should be uneventful. However, there are still a few things that you should keep in mind before having sexual intercourse again:
- If you are having lower libido, chances are that the reason may be stress or anxiety that follows a life-changing experience like a heart attack. You may need to consult with a doctor not only to address your physical health but to check on your mental health after the traumatic event.
- If you have had a heart attack, studies and treatments have proved that physical activity will keep you in shape and slowly bring your life back on track, including your sex life. In some cases, patients may need to undergo cardiac rehabilitation exercises under the supervision of their physician.
- If you are a woman and are thinking of getting pregnant, consult your doctor. Similarly, if you want to resume oral birth control measures, check with the doctor.
- Medicines for cardiovascular diseases can also have a negative effect on your sex drive. However, again, you should consult your doctor before coming to any conclusion.
Effects of heart attack on sex life are mostly considered psychological rather than physical. In some cases, however, medicines may lead to exhaustion and decrease the urge for having sex. Nevertheless, before assuming anything, a chat with your doctor is a must. There may be some other complications that can be brought to your notice.
Effects of heart attack on sex life can also be attributed to high blood pressure or hypertension, which is a common phenomenon in someone with cardiovascular conditions. In males, hypertension can cause erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, women may lose interest in sex as the blood flow to the vagina is curbed due to fatigue.
Effects of heart attack: What can be done to improve sex life afterwards?
The effects of heart attack can be scary because you know that a crucial organ of your body has undergone a major treatment. However, life after heart attack is manageable. Sex, too, does not need to stop. A few steps towards a better lifestyle are needed and a heart attack will not dampen your life after coming back from the hospital.
Start with slow workout
Do not indulge in hardcore exercises straightaway. Start with 5-10 minutes of low-impact exercises, like walking or skipping, to get your body up and running. This will ensure that there is a gradual increase in your heart rate with no pressure whatsoever.
Know your limits
See that your workout is not making you wheeze. You should be able to speak normally and not begin panting due to your routine. Keep checking your heart rate and blood pressure timely to see that you are not pushing your limits.
Here are some of the signs that you shouldn’t ignore. If during your workout you experience the following, stop immediately:
- Dizziness and confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Extreme tiredness
- Burning sensation or tightness in the chest
If you experience any of the above, make sure that you stop your workout immediately and call your doctor. It is a possibility that you may be having a heart attack.
Life after heart attack – Benefits of having sex
Yes, many consider sex to be an exertion which may be harmful, but it is not true. Again, this is a general scenario. Consult your doctor to determine if you are physically and mentally ready to start having sexual intercourse again. You may be prescribed a specialized exercise plan or recommended to undergo therapy.
Studies suggest that sex is actually beneficial for your heart. Sex as an exercise, and when done at regular intervals can have positive effects on your lifestyle. Some of them are:
- Heart strengthening, given sex is a good workout
- Stress reduction
- Blood pressure reduction
- Improved sleep cycle
Sex can also lower the feeling of loneliness, which can lead to severe mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which can further escalate heart risks.
However, remember that you need a clean chit from your doctor before indulging in any physical activity. You need to know your limits, your heart is still vulnerable and you do not know the effects of heart attack on your body. You need medical examination and monitoring to deem you fit, even for sex.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, do not engage in sex or any other form of intense physical activity without consulting with your doctor:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Short breath
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Chest pain
All in all, sex is not impossible after a heart attack, and having a sexless life is definitely not one of the effects of heart attack.
However, given heart surgeries and treatments leave you vulnerable, mentally and physically, medical suggestions and monitoring are required. Plus, there are new medications, lifestyle changes, and workouts prescribed. Some may also put a dampener on your sex life due to the chemical concoctions involved.
What we mean is, healthy sex life after heart attack is not impossible, but before indulging in any intimate act, consult your doctor to plan the best course of action. Based on your individual health condition, your doctor is the best person to guide you about resuming your sex life.
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