Patient Information --> Medical and Surgical Information --> Healty Lifestyle Changes --> Your Emotions and Feelings --> Sexual Activity and the Heart

Many individuals wonder when they may resume sexual activity after a heart attack, heart surgery, or heart procedure. Here are a few guidelines that can help answer some of those questions.

• Choose a time when you are rested and relaxed. This might be in the morning or after a nap. Avoid sex if you are tired, are upset, or had an unusually busy or stressful day.
  
  
• Foreplay allows the heart rate to build up slowly. Avoid stopping and starting sexual activity; this can add extra strain on your heart. Avoid interruptions, take your time, and if you feel tired or winded-STOP!
  
  
• Rest before and after sexual activity. Get in the habit of resting for at least 20 minutes after sexual activity.
  
  
• In the early days of recovery, you may want to assume a more passive role.

Avoid having sex if:

• You have consumed alcohol. Alcohol causes your heart to beat faster and can raise your blood pressure. It is best to wait 3 hours after drinking alcohol.
  
  
• You have just eaten a meal. Extra blood is needed to digest food, causing the heart to work harder during physical activity at this time. It is best to wait 3 hours after eating a meal.
  
  
• The room is too hot or too cold. Temperature extremes can make your heart work harder.
  
  
• You have just showered. Warm water causes blood vessels in the skin to become bigger and the heart to pump faster.
  
  
• You have just smoked or consumed beverages that contain caffeine. Cigarette smoking and caffeine make your heart work harder and beat faster. All cardiac patients should avoid these stimulants, but if you must use them, you should wait at least 2 hours before having intercourse.

Also remember that you cannot use Viagra if you are taking certain heart medications. Check with your doctor first before using this product.

The following may be less stressful for you:

• Sexual intercourse is less demanding if you lie on your back so as not to bear the full weight.
  
  
• A male may be more relaxed when sitting in an armless chair while his partner faces him. The chair must be low enough so that both partner's feet touch the floor.
  
  
• The side lying position allows both partners to lie side by side.
  
  
• You may lie on top of your partner as long as you do not bear full weight with your arms.

Your doctor will tell you if any position should be avoided. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you and your partner can assume the position with which you are most familiar.

***** NO DIRECT WEIGHT-BEARING SHOULD BE PLACED ON YOUR INCISIONS*****