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For most heart patients, sex is safe, especially if their heart disease (cardiovascular disease) is stable. However, safety is related to severity, and sex may not be recommended for people with severe heart failure or other severe heart conditions.

If you’re unsure or have specific questions about your personal situation, you should always check with your healthcare provider. Also, patients who have had a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, should always talk to their doctor before resuming sexual activity.

Some heart patients worry that having sex could trigger a heart attack or cardiac arrest (failure of the heart’s electrical system). Studies suggest that these risks are negligible.

Having sex is the equivalent of a brisk walk or climbing two flights of stairs, experts say.

Stop sexual activity immediately if you have chest pains, shortness of breath, or any other symptom of a cardiovascular event.

People who have these cardiovascular conditions should avoid having sex until their doctor says it’s okay:

Chest pains
Lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Unstable cardiovascular disease
Advanced heart failure
Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
High blood pressure that is not properly controlled
Weak heart muscle
Recent heart attack

In addition, people who take heart medications containing nitrates cannot use erectile dysfunction drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), or avanafil (Stendra). Interactions with these drugs can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Sometimes, doctors recommend restricting sexual activity. This might mean having sex less often, playing a more passive role, or having less vigorous sex to keep one’s heart rate down.

Heart patients who have sexual restrictions can still enjoy intimacy with a partner. Kissing, hugging, touching, and caressing are all ways to be physically close. This can be a good time to try new sexual activities, like oral sex, role playing, or using sex toys.

Taking good care of your heart health might improve sexual function and satisfaction. Keep these tips in mind:

Follow a healthy diet. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Reduce your consumption of sodium and unhealthy fats.
Exercise regularly. (Talk to your doctor about a fitness plan first.)
Maintain a healthy weight.
Take your medications exactly as prescribed.
If your doctor has recommended cardiac rehabilitation, follow those instructions.
If you smoke, quit.
Manage stress as best you can. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

If you think heart disease or medication might be affecting your sexual function, be sure to see your doctor.

Resources

American Heart Association

“Is sex safe for heart disease patients?”

(Last reviewed: July 31, 2015)

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/sex-and-heart-disease

“Stress and Heart Health”

(Last reviewed: June 17, 2014)

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-and-heart-health

Mayo Clinic

“Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease”

(January 9, 2019)