Men With Heart Problems Should Avoid Rigorous Sex, Doctors Warn

Men with heart disease, particularly those with serious cardiovascular conditions or abnormal heart rhythms, have been advised to avoid strenuous sexual activity without appropriate medical assessment.

Doctors also warned against taking Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medicines without medical advice because some can interact with heart or blood-pressure medications.

The warnings were contained in medical guidance published around World Heart Day, which was observed on September 29.

Sex is physical exertion

Consultant Cardiologist Dr John Asekhame explained that sexual activity increases the body’s energy demand, heart rate and blood circulation. He said the level of risk depends on the type and severity of the underlying heart condition.

Men with controlled hypertension may be able to engage in sexual activity, while those with advanced heart failure or certain serious cardiac conditions may face greater risks.

ValidViewNetwork reports, the warning should not be interpreted as meaning that every man with high blood pressure or heart disease must avoid sex.

The appropriate question is whether the person’s cardiovascular condition is stable enough for physical exertion, something a doctor can assess.

Erectile dysfunction can also signal health problems

Doctors also noted that erectile dysfunction can be associated with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol because these illnesses can affect blood circulation.

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Public Health Physician, Dr Rotimi Adesanya advised men experiencing erectile problems to seek medical evaluation instead of purchasing drugs or sexual-enhancement products from unregulated sources.

He warned that some erectile dysfunction drugs can lower blood pressure and interact dangerously with medicines already being taken for cardiovascular conditions.

Men experiencing chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, pounding heartbeat, weakness or fainting during or after sexual activity should seek medical attention.

ValidViewNetwork reports, sexual health can sometimes provide an early warning about wider cardiovascular problems. The safest message is therefore not abstinence for everyone, but proper medical assessment, especially for men with known heart disease or those experiencing new symptoms.