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Heart Health and Sex
Heart Health and SexReadjusting to day-to-day life can be a challenge after you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease. Everydayactivities can make you tired or short of breath. You may worry that increased energy or excitement couldaffect your heart – especially when you are having sex. Is it safe to have sex when you have heart disease?Generally speaking the energy needed for sex is about the same as climbing 2 flights of stairs or walking onehalf mile at a brisk pace. Your doctor may want you to have a stress test before engaging in physical activity orsexual activity.If you feel you may be ready to resume your sex life, follow this basic checklist.Do: Talk to your doctor about whether you are ready to have sex and how often. If the answer is yes. Do: Getregular exercise. Exercise or cardiac rehabilitation can boost your tolerance for physical activity and can alsobenefit you in other areas as well.Do: Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about getting pregnant after a heart disease diagnosis. It is good toknow about any possible risks. Do: Ask your doctor about estrogen therapy if you are post-menopausal andsex is painful.Do: Talk to your doctor about erectile dysfunction if you are a male. Erectile Dysfunction can be common inmen with heart disease because heart disease often affects your blood circulation. Talk to your doctor aboutways to treat your condition so you can have a fulfilling sex life.Do Not: Have sex if your heart disease is unstable, if you are experiencing severe symptoms or if your doctorhas told you not to. Do Not: Skip your heart medications out of fear they will get in the way of your sex drive orsexual function. Skipping your medications can put you at risk for serious heart-related problems.Do Not: Take erectile dysfunction medications or supplements without first consulting your doctor. Some ofthese medications can interfere with your heart medications and put your overall health at risk.Being diagnosed with heart disease does not mean the end to a fulfilling sex life. Follow this checklist and talkto your healthcare provider to see if you are ready to resume sexual activity.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG56053A EN HeartHealthAndSex.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
Heart & Vascular Center
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