After a heart attack or stroke, many sufferers have problems that sex will generate another heart issue. While past recommendations discuss how long sufferers should hold out to have sex after heart attack, sufferers often have more specific questions about the types of sex-related activities that are safe. "This is really what sufferers are asking," said Elaine Steinke, a speaker of nursing at Wichita State University in Kansas, who assisted write the recommendations.
All sufferers who have had a heart attack, heart transplant, stroke or other heart issue, or who obtained an implanted heart device, should go through some type of sex assistance, the recommendations say. Although doctors and other health and fitness providers may be a little embarrassed to discuss such information with their sufferers, this is not a reason for maintaining information."We deal with the intimate parts of the body in many ways as medical service providers," Steinke said. "Those who want information are very much relived that the physician has gotten up this subject."
Sex after a Heart Attack
The guidance a patient gets will differ based on their particular situation and needs. Heart attack sufferers who have no problems, and who don't experience pain in abdomen place or other symptoms when they walk quickly or engage in other regular activity, can generally engage in sexual activity after one week. Those who have had coronary artery bypass surgery can generally safely proceed sex after six to eight weeks if their incision is fully retrieved, the recommendations say. If it's unclear whether a sufferer is healthy enough for sex, they may need to go through an exercise stress test, which includes walking on treadmill to assess how much the heart can manage. Patients should proceed sex gradually, and consider starting with activities such as having and the hug and kissing or sexual touching before engaging in intercourse, Steinke said. This may allow sufferers to build confidence and assess their tolerance for sex, the recommendations say. Those who experience pain in abdomen place or other symptoms during sex should review them to their physician. Although sex raises the possibility of a heart attack, the overall risk for sufferers is quite low. Among those who have had an attack, less than 1 percent happens during sex.
Safe Sex Positions
During sex, sufferers should be inspired to believe their regular sexual positions, or one that is relaxed. Those who have had coronary artery bypass surgery are suggested to avoid being "on top" as this may require more effort, and to use pillows for support if needed, the recommendations say. Having an event, or having sex in an unfamiliar atmosphere, may be a cause of stress for the person, Steinke said. "This is not the time to be having sex with a new partner, or in a resort," Steinke said. Conversations about sex should start before a patient leaves the hospitals, and proceed throughout the process of restoration. Because the patient's partners often have problems as well, they should be involved in sex assistance, the recommendations say. "It's not just a one-time conversation," Steinke said.
