Is there sex after a heart attack?

Written by , a practical nurse since 2005 with experience in ICU, cardiac care, and case management. She is pursuing her MSN for Family Nurse Practitioner and is a former Military Medic with the Louisiana National Guard.

Anyone who has worked around cardiac patients have a humorous story to tell about their conversations with patients regarding sex. They usually sound something like;

“Uh, my wife wanted me to ask you something.”

“What can I help you with?”

“Um, um, when can I resume, you know, normal activity?”

“What type of work do you do?”

“No, not that kind of activity, you know…the other kind.”

“I’m not sure what you are asking.”

“Um, you know, when can I start having sex again?”

It is a very common concern among people who have had heart attacks, open heart surgery, or even those who just had stents placed in their heart arteries. The short answer to the question is yes, there is a sex life with heart disease. Most patients can resume normal sexual activity within a couple of weeks of their heart attack or stent placement. Those with open heart surgery may have to wait a bit longer because their surgical wounds need to heal.

There are some patients who may need to be evaluated prior to resuming sexual activity. Those who have congestive heart failure or certain rhythm disturbances should have a more in-depth evaluation before resuming normal sexual activity. Always keep in mind that just like other forms of exercises, like walking or climbing stairs, you should stop if:

  • You develop chest pain
  • You develop shortness of breath
  • You become dizzy

Certain medications may affect your body’s ability to have or maintain an erection; particularly beta blockers that are prescribed for most cardiac patients. Some patients react differently to these medications. A conversation with your physician may bring about a solution.

Do not use medications such as Viagra or Cialis if you have been prescribed nitrate medications like nitroglycerin for treatment of your heart disease. The combination of these medications may make your blood pressure drop to unhealthy levels.

Remember for most, sexual activity is safe and healthy following heart attack, open heart surgery or treatment for heart disease. Relax and enjoy your new lease on life.

For additional information:

Did you get it?

Question 1. How long after a heart attack or stent placement can most patients typically resume normal sexual activity?
  • Within a couple of weeks.
  • After 6 months.
  • Only after a year.
  • Immediately.
Question 2. Which cardiac patients may need a more in-depth evaluation before resuming sexual activity?
  • Those with congestive heart failure or certain rhythm disturbances.
  • Those who have had only stents placed.
  • Those who have undergone open heart surgery and their surgical wounds have healed.
  • All cardiac patients, regardless of their condition.
Question 3. What are three symptoms that should prompt a patient to stop sexual activity (and other forms of exercise) after a cardiac event?
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
  • Increased heart rate, sweating, or mild fatigue.
  • Minor muscle aches or joint stiffness.
  • Numbness in the legs, dry mouth, or headache.
Question 4. Which class of medications, commonly prescribed for cardiac patients, may affect the body’s ability to have or maintain an erection?
  • Beta blockers.
  • Nitrates.
  • Viagra.
  • Aspirin.
Question 5. What is the specific warning given about combining medications like Viagra or Cialis with nitrate medications like nitroglycerin?
  • The combination may make your blood pressure drop to unhealthy levels.
  • It can cause severe allergic reactions.
  • It will prevent the heart from healing properly.
  • It may lead to increased chest pain.

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How we reviewed this article

Our experts continually monitor the medical science space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current version
Apr 26, 2023

Copy edited by:

Copy editors
Jul 20, 2020

Reviewed by:

Lorraine Anne Liu, RN

a registered nurse and cum laude graduate with experience in OR, ICU, delivery room, and OPD. She specializes in pediatric care and primary health care nursing and is certified in BLS, IV therapy, and cardiac assessment.

Apr 05, 2017

Written by:

Amanda Menard, LPN

a practical nurse since 2005 with experience in ICU, cardiac care, and case management. She is pursuing her MSN for Family Nurse Practitioner and is a former Military Medic with the Louisiana National Guard.