Most of the people who suffer from heart failure ask themselves at one point or another: “Is it safe for me to have sex?” As you might already know – the body may age, but the spirit stays young. Therefore, people in a more mature age group seek and desire love and companionship just as much as the younger generation.
Before we proceed, let us discuss the definition of chronic heart failure and its causes.
What are the causes of a chronic heart failure?
Chronic heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to keep the blood flow on a sufficient level to meet the body’s needs. It usually develops as a consequence of other cardiac problems which leave the heart too stiff or too weak to work efficiently. It may develop quickly as a result of a heart attack, or gradually as a result of ischemic heart disease or high blood pressure.
Can a person with a chronic heart failure engage in sex?
Despite the fact that modern medicine can successfully treat chronic heart failure, prolonging the life of the patient, this disease may still affect the person’s ability and desire to engage in sexual activities. Depression, fatigue, side effects of medication, and of course the fear of damaging the heart even further by straining oneself, decrease the desire of a person to have sex or leave the person wondering whether it’s safe for them or not.
On October 4th 2007, a literature review published in the issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings has shown that with proper treatment and screening, many people that suffer from chronic heart failure can engage in a sexual intercourse.
In this study, Mandeep Mehra, M.D., Patricia Uber, Pharm. D., and Stacy Mandras, M.D., have used MEDLINE database to examine a vast collection of medical research connected with chronic heart failure, sexual dysfunction, and sexual activity. This data also incorporated clinical trials and patient surveys.
The findings of a study done by Mandeep Mehra, Patricia Uber, and Stacy Mandras
In order to find out whether sexual intercourse places too much stress on the heart of a person that suffers from chronic heart failure, Drs. Mehra and Mandras have analyzed studies which were focused on the impact of a sexual intercourse on respiratory rates, blood pressure, and heart rate.
One of these studies measured respiratory rates, blood pressure, and heart rate of middle-aged men that suffered from coronary artery disease vs. a control group that was healthy. This study has shown that the peak heart rate of daily activities was much higher than that of sexual intercourse. The oxygen consumption was also lower for sexual intercourse when compared to daily activities such as slowly walking up the stairs, vacuum cleaning, and walking at a pace of 3-4 miles per hour.
The authors of the study have also addressed the issue of the erectile dysfunction in men and how it can be treated in patients with chronic heart failure.
Is it possible to treat erectile dysfunction while being on prescription drugs for chronic heart failure?
Studies have shown that roughly 60 to 70 percent of men who suffer from chronic heart failure, also suffer from erectile dysfunction. Part of the reason is the decreased capacity for exercise and the abnormalities in blood vessels of patients with chronic heart failure. Another major reason for erectile dysfunction is the side effects of drugs prescribed to treat the chronic heart failure.
A big concern is that simultaneous use of drugs used for erectile dysfunction and nitrates may cause a drastic drop in blood pressure. The authors, however, state that sildenafil (Viagra) can be used by patients with chronic heart failure that do not use nitrates after a proper screening by a medical professional.
On the other hand patients that take nitrates and are unable to use drugs to treat erectile dysfunction are recommended by the authors to follow an exercise regimen that will improve the quality of their life and sexual function.
What is the best way for me to have sex if I suffer from chronic heart failure?
Sex is just like any other exercise. If you are unwell or if you feel out of breath, you shouldn’t do it. Start with foreplay in order to warm up, this way your body will be ready for the activity ahead. In order to reduce the stain on your body, you should lie on your back or on your side, and if you’re feeling breathless or uncomfortable at any time during sex, you should stop and rest. Another good point to note is that you shouldn’t eat too much before you’re going to have sex.
Just turn on some light, soothing music, light up some scented candles, and enjoy the time you spend with your partner. In the end, the main goal is to become closer and more intimate with your partner, even if you’re going to just hug and kiss.
