Introduction
Heart disease encompasses any type of condition that affects the heart or blood vessels. Conditions such as congenital defects to diseases like coronary artery disease, stroke, and arrhythmias are some good examples of heart diseases.
But what most don’t know is having sex with heart disease involves added risk. Increased stress on the body during sexual activity can lead to tiredness, unusual heartbeats, a feeling of restlessness, etc. An increase in heart rate and blood pressure during sexual activity can lead to complications for someone with existing cardiac issues.
Hence it is very important to consider both the risks and benefits associated with having sex when it comes to heart disease and sex. Our today post will help you make an informed decision about how best to manage your heart health while engaging in intimacy with your partner(s).
So first let’s start with risk factors associated with having sex with heart problems:
Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat is something quite often people suffering from heart problem experience during or post sex. This can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, fainting and even cardiac arrest. The best way is to openly speak with a doctor regarding sex. Depending on your existing health conditions they may suggest some best possible ways of managing sex and heart problems.
In addition to arrhythmias, coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF) and cardiomyopathy (CM) can also affect sexual life. People who suffer from one or more of these conditions are more likely than others to experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms during physical exertion associated with sex.
Another factor that can raise the risk involved in having sex is having heart disease and taking certain medications such as nitrates or beta-blockers. Such medicines are often prescribed to treat hypertension and angina pectoris respectively. These drugs work on managing blood pressure, but at the same time can also reduce oxygen delivery throughout your body.
This can result in serious problems during strenuous activities like intercourse. Finally, people who smoke cigarettes should take extra caution because nicotine constricts blood vessels making it harder for oxygen-rich blood flow throughout your body including those needed for sexual activity.
Tips for having safe sex with heart disease
The most important key element of managing sex life and heart disease is adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol in excess.
Exercise can help strengthen your heart muscle and reduce the risk of complications during intercourse. But being a heart patient it is very important to know from a physician what type of physical activity will suit you the most. Eating a nutritious diet will also provide essential nutrients that are beneficial for cardiovascular health while reducing the number of fatty foods.
Better position
There are certain positions that can be enjoyed well in bed without putting too much stress on the body. Well, that’s another key for managing the risk associated with heart problems such as stress, unusual heartbeat, blood pressure change, etc. This will help reduce the overall pressure on the body by eliminating stress and managing the heartbeat due to the least effort applied.
Finally, it is wise for those living with cardiac conditions to seek out safer forms of intimate activities. Sometimes just a cuddle, kisses, or togetherness can also help create endless bonding.
Conclusion
if you have any kind of heart condition, it is important to discuss in advance with your doctor about performing sexual activity. Your doctor will suggest you better determine your overall health and medical condition. If sex is safe for you they may suggest with necessary precautions to take when planning to have sex to reduce your risk of complications.
For people with mild to moderate heart disease sex may be safe as long as they are not experiencing any symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness during sexual activity. People with severe heart disease, unstable angina, or a recent heart attack should be cautious and may need doctor advice.
