Safe sex in cardiovascular patients

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor II Nguyen Quoc Viet - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital

In healthy people, moderate sexual activity is not only mentally satisfying but also good for the cardiovascular system, contributing to energy expenditure and reducing obesity. However, for people with cardiovascular disease, sexual behavior is something that needs to be paid attention to to avoid the risk of complications.

During sexual activity, the body secretes sex hormones that help enhance nutrient assimilation, increase protein, fat and sugar metabolism in the body, lower blood cholesterol, lower blood sugar and limit some risks. cardiovascular muscle. In women, sexual activity increases the amount of the hormone oxytocin, which helps the body stay young, increasing feelings of contentment, love of life and happiness.
In fact, heart disease and sex are closely related. When performing sexual acts, normal physiological changes in the body have been recorded such as:
When the body receives stimulation, breathing rate will increase gradually, skin will be red, heart rate and blood When the body is in a state of excitement, the whole person will tense up, the heart rate and blood pressure will increase At orgasm, the body will release pent up energy, heart rate, blood For people with heart disease, this physiological change from within is sometimes a burden on the patient's heart.

2.1 For patients with heart failure grade I - II
For people with mild heart disease (heart failure grade I - II, hypertension stage I, II), gentle sexual activity does not affect the disease, vice versa It is also beneficial for the heart when maintaining regular and gentle activities.
Patients with stage I and II hypertension can continue to be sexually active, but be aware that some antihypertensive drugs can cause decreased sexual function. Therefore, patients need to be consulted by a cardiologist when taking antihypertensive drugs, if there are side effects, replace them with other drugs according to instructions so as not to affect sexual function.
2.2 For patients with heart failure grade III or higher
For patients with heart failure grade III or higher (shortness of breath even at rest), intensive treatment is required until the degree of heart failure gradually decreases, the patient has Can be sexually active but should be gentle, limit exertion. During sexual activity, if the patient feels short of breath or tired, he should stop immediately, change positions to reduce the level of exertion. When the treatment is not stable, you should avoid sex because it can make heart failure worse, heart arrhythmia, and life-threatening myocardial ischemia.
For patients with stage III hypertension (maximum blood pressure above 180mmHg), severe heart failure or ischemic heart disease, it is important to note that stable treatment and adjustment of sexual activity are necessary to avoid complications.
2.3 For patients with myocardial ischemia
For patients with myocardial ischemia (due to coronary artery stenosis) who present with angina, sexual activity should be avoided or if angina occurs during sex Sex should be stopped immediately. When the disease is treated stably, there is no more chest pain, it is possible to resume sex, but it is necessary to choose the appropriate frequency and level.
2.4 With patients after heart surgery
People with cardiovascular disease after surgery can return to sex after about a few weeks, when the patient is ready and should start slowly. Most heart surgery patients start having sex after 2 to 3 weeks. According to specific estimates, when the patient after surgery can go up the stairs with a height of 3 floors, he can return to sexual activity slowly and normally.

People with cardiovascular disease should have regular health check-ups and appropriate treatment to limit the risk of possible cardiovascular events. With problems related to sexual activity, people with heart disease should not decide on their own level of activity before being examined and advised by a doctor specifically for their own case. Medical staff will help the patient and his partner choose appropriate sexual methods depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases, masturbation restores confidence and helps people with heart disease return to sex more easily. Masturbation generally causes less cardiac response and less exertion.

Cardiovascular patients can choose to be examined and treated at Vinmec International General Hospital. There is a team of Cardiologists, including Professors, Doctors, Specialist 2 doctors, Masters with experience, great reputation in the field of medical treatment, surgery, interventional cardiac catheterization. . Vinmec also focuses on applying advanced techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, using a system of modern medical equipment that meets international standards.
In addition, Vinmec also has professional cooperation with prestigious medical units in the world, constantly consolidating and improving its expertise in medical examination and treatment.