Sexual Activity & Cardiovascular Disease

From Anvita Health Wiki

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Complications 3 Management 4 Additional Terms 5 References

Introduction

• Sexual intercourse requires moderate metabolic equivalents (~ 4 METS) of activity. [2]

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 is not advised for patients with severe heart disease until their condition has stabilized [1]
• 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

References

1. Levine GN et al Sexual Activity and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Circulation. published online January 19, 2012 [1]
2. Geriatric Review Syllabus, 7th edition Parada JT et al (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2010

sexual activity & cardiovascular disease