Having heart disease can often lead to feelings of breathlessness, which may cause concerns about how sex can affect your health. Engaging in sexual activity is similar to light to moderate physical exercise, such as climbing stairs or brisk walking. During sex, your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate may slightly increase, with the heart rate reaching 102-127 beats per minute at its peak, which is considered normal and safe.
After being diagnosed with heart disease, individuals may become less physically active, which can impact their relationship with their partner. Symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue may also reduce sexual desire and performance. Many individuals with chronic heart failure may suffer from sexual dysfunction, with common issues including decreased libido and difficulty maintaining an erection for men, and decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and pain during intercourse for women.
Heart disease and its treatments can influence blood circulation, leading to reduced blood flow to areas such as the genitals. This reduced blood flow can result in erectile dysfunction for men and decreased sensation for women during sexual activity. Some cardiovascular medications can also impact sex life, with a risk of sudden death if erectile dysfunction drugs are taken in combination with nitrate drugs. Emotional stress and depression, which are common symptoms in cardiovascular patients
