sexual activity & cardiovascular disease

Introduction

Sexual intercourse requires moderate metabolic equivalents (~ 4 METS) of activity.

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
• sexual activity is not advised for patients with severe heart disease until their condition has stabilized
• 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

Additional terms

• cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• sexual activity