Introduction:
For both patients and partners with cardiovascular disease (CVD), including many older people, sexual activity is crucial to quality of life. Patients with cardiovascular disease frequently experience decreased sexual function and activity, which is commonly linked to anxiety and despair. Individuals who are suffering from heart failure may be concerned about their ability to engage in enjoyable activities, such as having sex. These worries are reasonable. People who have heart problems, such as heart failure, can usually still have fulfilling sexual relationships.
As with any other physical action, having sex is no more likely than any other to cause a symptom. Some people discover that having heart failure results in decreased sex desire or sexual dysfunction. The majority of people take cardiac drugs without any issues; however, occasionally, the medication may interfere with the ability or desire to have sex. It is okay to discuss concerns with the nurse or doctor. They can provide guidance and assistance. Consult a physician before taking any medicine, including Sildenafil, as it may interfere with any other medications that may impact the blood pressure level.
How Are Heart Failure and Sex Related?
Heart failure (HF) is known to have an impact on a patient's and partner's daily lives due to its ramifications for physical function. A decrease in sexual activity, a loss of sexual fulfillment or satisfaction, a decline in sexual interest, and a reduction in the frequency of sex are all possible complaints from patients with heart failure.
Many HF patients place a high value on their sexual health; among those with HF, 52 percent of the men and 38 percent of the women said that sex was essential to them and that their quality of life was affected by their sexual health. Specific sexual issues may already exist before heart failure (HF) develops, but they can also emerge at different stages of the HF trajectory.
In a prior study, 27 percent of patients who were free of sexual issues one month after being discharged eventually experienced problems with their sexual health. Sexual problems persisted in 70 percent of the patients who were still experiencing issues one month after being discharged. Simultaneously, 30 percent of patients who had reported sexual issues at one month post-discharge did not report difficulties during follow-up.
What Are Heart Healthy Benefits of Sex?
Sex might be good for the cardiovascular system. According to studies, women who report having fulfilling relationships and men who have sex at least twice a week are less likely to suffer a heart attack. Sex strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, eases tension, and enhances sleep. Furthermore, bonding can be strengthened by intimacy in a partnership. Strong social ties can reduce feelings of isolation, melancholy, and anxiety, all of which have been connected to an increased risk of heart disease.
Can Heart Disease Affect Sex Life?
In most situations, the heart or circulatory disease itself is the root cause of sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is when the person is unable to achieve or sustain an erection long enough for sexual activity, and it occasionally occurs as a side effect of medication.
The following symptoms could be present if one has a heart or circulation condition:
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Loss of desire for sexual activity.
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Impotence or erectile dysfunction.
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Dry vaginal area.
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Difficulties experiencing an orgasm.
Is Sex Safe for People With Heart Disease?
Whether having sex will affect life after heart illness, or if it is safe to have sex at all, is one of the many questions. If the heart disease has stabilized, one can probably resume having sex. Because sexual activity is typically brief, cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, angina, or pain in the chest caused by heart disease rarely occur during sexual engagement. Before engaging in sexual activity, one should be evaluated, treated, and stabilized if they have unstable angina or if the symptoms are severe. Sexual activity with some cardiovascular issues requires more research, especially about women and older persons.
If one has heart disease, then one should know the following:
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Before engaging in any more sexual activity, have a physical examination.
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Regular physical exercise and cardiac rehabilitation can lower the possibility of consequences from sexual activity if one has a heart attack or heart failure.
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Women should consult a physician before beginning birth control or becoming pregnant.
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Speak with a doctor in case of having problems with sex to see whether heart disease, anxiety, depression, or other conditions may be to blame.
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Taking certain medications will affect the sex drive or function; do not skip them even though they could alleviate cardiovascular symptoms. The wellness of the heart should come first.
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While erectile dysfunction medications are generally safe, one should not use them if one is on nitrate therapy for coronary artery disease-related chest pain.
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Additionally, 24 to 48 hours after taking an erectile dysfunction medication, nitrate therapy should not be started (depending on the drug used).
What Are the Factors Related to Sexual Problems in Heart Failure Patients?
The majority of patients believe that their heart failure symptoms, such as shortness of breath (20 percent), exhaustion (20 percent), medication use (10 percent), and reduced circulation (11 percent), are the root of their inability to have sexual relations. Symptoms specific to heart failure, such as weariness, activity intolerance, and dyspnea, are associated with issues relating to sexual function. Sexual problems are known to be closely associated with certain coexisting disorders. Men without diabetes do not have an elevated risk of ED by more than three times, while women with diabetes are more likely than non-diabetic women to report issues with lubrication.
Conclusion:
There are numerous mental and physical advantages to sex. It generally positively supports cardiovascular health. A person's mood, relationship with their partner, and general quality of life can all be improved by it. Therefore, it makes sense that people would want to continue having sex as long as it is risk-free and does not endanger their health. It is understandable to feel a little anxious about participating in physical activities, such as having sex, if one has heart disease. Fortunately, as long as the condition has stabilized, having sex while suffering from heart disease is probably safe.
