.jpeg)
Relationships and sex after a heart attack
Explore some useful things to know about intimacy after a heart attack.
Key takeaways
- Your relationships may change after a heart attack.
- It’s possible to resume a normal sex life.
- If there are any problems, help is available.
- Never stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor.
It can be really uncomfortable to talk about this. The good news is that most concerns can be overcome.
Relationships
The best thing you can do is talk about how you’re feeling. It might be hard, but it lets people know how they can help. Some couples find it easier to talk with a relationship counsellor.
Hearing from other people who have been through a similar experience as you can help. See Gary, Joanne and Margaret’s stories now.
Sex and intimacy
- Sex is usually a mild to moderate activity. So, if you can climb two flights of stairs without pain or shortness of breath, then you should be fine.
- If you’ve had surgery, wait until you’re healed (usually 6-8 weeks). Don’t put any weight your chest.
- Avoid sex after eating a large meal, drinking alcohol or when you’re tired.
Remember, there are other ways to feel connected. Kissing, cuddling, holding hands and just spending time together will make you feel close and loved.
Starting again
Some sexual positions may be more comfortable, and can ensure you avoid stress on your breastbone if you’ve had surgery.
Make sure you’re relaxed. Creating a romantic atmosphere can help reduce your stress.
Timing is also important. Make sure you’re well rested and don’t rush – have lots of time to enjoy each other.
And there’s more good news – the lifestyle changes that help your heart can also help your sex life!
Worries
Some men experience erectile dysfunction. This means that they’re unable to maintain an erection. It’s common, and can be caused by things like medication, stress, anxiety or depression. Medication or other aids may be useful.
Your doctor will know how to help, and there are many excellent resources.
Side effects
There are some simple things you can do. You can:
- Talk to your doctor. Your doctor will have advice and suggestions
- Buy lubricant from the pharmacy
- Plan to have sex before you take your blood pressure medicine to avoid the negative effects (such as impotence).
- Know the warning signs of a heart attack.
- Take time to return to intimacy and sex, speak to a health professional if you have any concerns.
Heart Health Check Toolkit
Heart Health Check Toolkit
Environment, climate change and heart health
Environment, climate change and heart health
Environment, climate change and heart health
Information on how air pollution, heatwaves and bushfires can impact heart health, and what you can do to look after yourself. ...
Heart Age Calculator
Heart Age Calculator
Heart Age Calculator
Could you be at risk of heart disease? Get your estimated heart age now....
How can I beat the barriers and get active for a healthy heart?
How can I beat the barriers and get active for a healthy heart?
How can I beat the barriers and get active for a healthy heart?
WEBINAR | Absolute CVD risk assessment practical update
WEBINAR | Absolute CVD risk assessment practical update
A multidisciplinary panel of experts discuss the practical application of absolute CVD risk assessment through Heart Health Checks....
Blood cholesterol
Blood cholesterol
Blood cholesterol
Keeping your blood cholesterol at a healthy level can help you reduce your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions. ...
Q&A with Dr Thanh Nho Do
Q&A with Dr Thanh Nho Do
Q&A with Dr Thanh Nho Do
Developing a new soft robotic heart device to help people with heart failure awaiting a heart transplant ...
5 heart-healthy breakfasts-in-bed to make Dad on Father's Day
5 heart-healthy breakfasts-in-bed to make Dad on Father's Day
5 heart-healthy breakfasts-in-bed to make Dad on Father's Day
What is cardiac rehab?
What is cardiac rehab?
What is cardiac rehab?
Cardiac rehab is proven to keep you out of hospital and reduce your risk of death from heart conditions....
Heart Foundation Research Award Recipients
Heart Foundation Research Award Recipients
Explore our research award recipients and projects...
What is a healthy body weight?
What is a healthy body weight?
What is a healthy body weight?
Find out what a healthy body weight is and the steps you can take to achieve it. ...
Heart attack recovery – quit smoking
Heart attack recovery – quit smoking
Heart attack recovery – quit smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Get the facts on quitting and how it can help you recover. ...
Christmas recipes
Christmas recipes
Christmas recipes
Find heart healthy festive recipes. ...
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and management
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and management
Absolute CVD risk assessment is an integrated approach that estimates the cumulative risk of multiple risk factors to predict a heart attack or stroke event in the next five years....
Overcoming uncertainty: Bianca Beetham’s heart story
Overcoming uncertainty: Bianca Beetham’s heart story
Overcoming uncertainty: Bianca Beetham’s heart story
Bianca Beetham is 24 years old and lives in Sydney. She is currently waiting for her first open-heart surgery after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy five years ago....
Remember a loved one with a tribute
Remember a loved one with a tribute
Remember a loved one with a tribute
Honour the life of a loved one with a donation to the Heart Foundation. Your donation offers hope for Australian hearts....
Sodium and salt converter
Sodium and salt converter
Convert the sodium listed on food products into grams of salt or vice versa. ...
Donation receipts
Donation receipts
Donation receipts
Due to end of financial year and the ongoing lockdowns in several states, we are currently experiencing some delays in processing and receipting of donations....
Beef recipes
Beef recipes
Beef recipes
Find heart healthy beef recipes....
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: Heart health information and resources
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: Heart health information and resources
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: Heart health information and resources
Heart disease can occur 10 to 20 years earlier among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and can lead to long-term health problems. ...
Heart procedures and devices
Heart procedures and devices
Heart procedures and devices
If you have a heart condition, your doctor may recommend different treatments, including procedures or devices. ...
Relationships and sex after a heart attack
Relationships and sex after a heart attack
Relationships and sex after a heart attack
Explore some useful things to know about intimacy after a heart attack....
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
If you're 45 and over, or 30 and over if you're of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you should book your Heart Health Check today...
After being treated for atrial fibrillation, Boyd is now back on track
After being treated for atrial fibrillation, Boyd is now back on track
After being treated for atrial fibrillation, Boyd is now back on track
Running has been an important part of Boyd's life, so imagine his shock when a heart condition he had never heard of threatened to put a stop to it. ...
Nutrition Position Statements
Nutrition Position Statements
Nutrition Position Statements
The Heart Foundation’s food and nutrition position statements have been developed to keep you informed about our position on a range of nutrition issues relating to heart health. ...