Sex and Heart Disease

Getting over a heart attack is just the first step on the road to recovery. When you get back home, you have to learn to do many things differently if you want to stay healthy. That usually means getting more exercise on a regular basis, eating a healthier diet and perhaps lowering your stress. But there's one subject that makes many heart attack patients nervous and they're afraid to ask their doctors about: sex.

Is it safe to have sex if you have heart disease?

A new scientific statement issued by the American Heart Association concludes that it probably is safe to have sex if your disease is stable. The heart association says that people rarely have heart attacks or chest pain during sexual activity – generally because sex doesn't last that long compared to other activities. However, if your heart disease isn't stable or your symptoms are severe, then you should get treatment before having sex.

If you're unsure which category you're in, talk to your doctor.

If you've had a heart attack, ask your doctor when it's safe to resume sexual activity. Don't skip medications because you're worried that the side effects may lower your sex drive. If you're experiencing sexual dysfunction after a heart attack, your doctor may be able to prescribe treatments that will help. The problem could be depression or anxiety – very common after a heart attack.

Many of us are embarrassed to talk about sex with our doctors, but you should speak up. Make a list of questions before your appointment to help keep the conversation on track.