Search
sexual activity & cardiovascular disease
Sexual intercourse requires moderate metabolic equivalents (~ 4 METS) of activity. [2]
Complications:
- sexual activity is associated with "reasonable" risk in patients with cardiovascular disease with a low likelihood for complications
- risk factors for complications include:
- angina pectoris
- hypertension
- revascularization (CABG, PCI, coronary stent)
- valvular heart disease
- heart failure
- left ventricular dysfunction
Management:
- sexual activity may be resumed in patients able to perform 3-5 METS of work without symptoms of cardiac ischemia [3]
- sexual activity is not advised for patients with severe heart disease until their condition has stabilized [1]
- cardiac rehabilitation & exercise can lower the risk for complications from sexual activity in patients with cardiovascular disease
- PDE5 inhibitors are useful for treating erectile dysfunction in patients with stable cardiovascular disease
- PDE5 inhibitors are contraindicated in patients taking nitrates
Related
cardiovascular disease (CVD)
sexual activity
References
- Levine GN et al
Sexual Activity and Cardiovascular Disease:
A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Circulation. published online January 19, 2012
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2012/01/19/CIR.0b013e3182447787.full.pdf+html
- Geriatric Review Syllabus, 7th edition
Parada JT et al (eds)
American Geriatrics Society, 2010
- American Heart Association. Statements and Guidelines.
http://my.americanheart.org/professional/StatementsGuidelines/Statements-Guidelines_UCM_316885_SubHomePage.jsp