In fact, sex may be just what the doctor ordered in terms of mild aerobic exercise to prevent heart attacks or to help you get well after you have one.
Why sex is OK
Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that sex after being diagnosed with heart disease is fine because it doesn’t actually require much effort.
The authors of the study put sex at the same level of exertion as a brisk walk or climbing two staircases.
The study looked at 536 patients between 30 and 70 who had been diagnosed with heart disease. They used a self-reported questionnaire to find out how often the patients had sex during the year before the heart attack.
After analyzing the data, the lead author of the study, Dr. Dietrich Rothenbacher, said, “Based on our data, it seems very unlikely that sexual activity is a relevant trigger of heart attack.”
Proceed with caution
Although experts say that sex is actually beneficial after a heart attack, there are still precautions to consider, especially if you have erectile dysfunction (ED).
Certain erectile dysfunction drugs can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure. You’ll need to talk to your doctor to find out which ED medication—Viagra, Levitra or Cialis—is right for you. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your risk factors and your current medications.
Although erectile dysfunction can feel embarrassing to talk about, you’ll need a prescription to get the FDA-approved ED drugs—Viagra, Levitra and Cialis. Don’t try to circumvent your doctor by loading up on packets of so-called impotence drugs from your local convenience store.
Best case, they do nothing. But many have been found to contain dangerous substances that can send you to the hospital—or worse.
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