That Loving Feeling: Facts About Intimacy After a Cardiac Event

A heart problem often means making lifestyle changes, but it doesn’t have to put your love life on hold. Older adults can safely resume intimacy, sexual activity and sex after coronary bypass surgery, heart attack or the onset of heart failure.

Sex and Older Adults

There are many misconceptions about sexuality and aging. The notion that sex isn’t important to older people is false, as is the belief people of a certain age are too sick or frail for sexual activity.

Sexual activity often decreases with age, but older adults still want intimacy. The National Poll on Healthy Aging published findings in 2018 that 76% of adults 65-80 years old believe sex is an important part of a romantic relationship at any age.

Surprise: Sexuality is a Sign of Well-Being

Sexual activity is a form of physical exercise. It is not harmful to your heart or lungs. It increases heart rate, blood pressure and cardiovascular fitness. Intimacy can also positively impact your mental health.

Ask your doctor when it is safe to resume physical activity — including sexual activity. Not every sexual experience is high intensity. Remember to pace yourself. Start gradually to avoid angina or chest discomfort.

Can I Have Sex After a Heart Attack?

You can return to many routines after a cardiac event. Ask your doctor when it is safe to resume physical activity — including sexual activity.

Where Is My Sex Drive?

Several factors can decrease your sex drive. Aging and limited sexual activity can impact your interest in sex, but there are others:

• Mental health: Anxiety, depression and stress
• Disrupted, minimal and poor sleep (including sleep apnea)

What You Put in Your Body Matters

What you eat and drink impacts how your body functions – including sexually. Consuming too many or too few calories can decrease your sex drive. Nutrient deficiencies cause fatigue and decrease interest in sex, but sugar is the worst.

Consuming more than the recommended amount of sugar can:

• Imbalance sex hormones and raise insulin levels
• Cause erectile dysfunction

Turn Up the Heat

You can improve your sex drive. Get on your feet and exercise regularly, eat right and limit alcohol consumption. Control stress and anxiety levels by getting more exercise and plenty of sleep.

By making these strides in your well-being, you’ll be on your way to resuming intimacy like before your cardiac episode. For questions related to intimacy after a cardiac event, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist to learn more.

Watch Snizhana Weber's Presentation:

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Snizhana Weber

Snizhana Weber, BS, CCRP, is an exercise physiologist at NKCH. She has worked in the Cardiac Rehab and Pulmonary Medicine Clinic since 2013. When she is not at work, she enjoys cooking, spending time with her Australian shepherd, Scout, and traveling with her husband, Steven.