A Couple Walking (Photo : Reuters)
The findings of new research show that some heart attack survivors can maintain a sex life after their heart rate became abnormal or stopped. In fact, the heart disease patients who had sex at least once weekly did not have a higher risk of cardiac arrest, and the sexually active people were generally healthier than those who practiced abstinence.
The study was published September 22, Monday in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. It was conducted by Ulm University in Germany.
Researchers collected and evaluated data from over 500 male and female heart disease patients from 30 to 70 years old, according to University Herald. They studied the link between the frequency of sex and the risk of cardiovascular events including strokes, heart attacks, and death.
Researchers learned that 55 percent of the study's participants had sex once or twice per week. Meanwhile, one-fourth had sexual activity less than once per week.
In the past, many heart attack survivors and some doctors were concerned that copulation could start another cardiac arrest. In fact, few heart attacks in the study happened within one full day of having sex, according to ABC News.
Dr. Dietrich Rothenbacher was the lead researcher. He told ABC News that stress on the heart during sex is like walking fast or climbing a pair of staircases.
The study showed that sexual activity after heart attacks actually produced health benefits. That included a better quality of life.
Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic noted that it is not clear if having sex actually provides health benefits for heart attack survivors. Healthier patients might also be more sexually active.
Some people should certainly avoid sex after having a heart attack. That includes those who feel chest pain after mild or moderate exercise, and those taking nitrates to treat chest pain.
