Doctors warn men with heart disease against strenuous sex
By Chibuzo Obidike / IchieTimes
Doctors have advised men living with heart disease, particularly those with abnormal heart rhythms or advanced heart failure, to avoid strenuous sexual activity because the physical exertion can place additional stress on the heart.
The warning comes as cardiovascular disease remains a major global health concern, with experts urging people with underlying conditions to understand their health status before engaging in activities that place increased demands on the heart.
A Consultant Cardiologist at Providence Multispecialty Hospital, Asokoro, Abuja, Dr John Asekhame, explained that sexual activity is a form of physical exertion that increases the body’s energy demand and requires the heart to pump more blood.
He noted that the impact varies depending on the type and severity of a person’s heart condition.
According to him, men with well controlled hypertension may be able to engage in sexual activity, while those with advanced heart failure or certain serious heart conditions may face greater risks from additional physical exertion.
The cardiologist also warned men against taking erectile dysfunction medicines or sexual enhancement products without medical advice.
He said some of the products could interact with existing heart or blood pressure medications and cause potentially dangerous changes in blood pressure.
A Public Health Physician and Director of Medical Services at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Dr Rotimi Adesanya, said erectile dysfunction could sometimes be associated with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol because these conditions can affect blood circulation.
He advised men experiencing erectile dysfunction to undergo proper medical evaluation rather than purchasing drugs from unregulated sources.
Adesanya also warned men against stopping prescribed blood pressure medication because of concerns about sexual performance, noting that the underlying medical condition could itself contribute to erectile dysfunction.
The doctors advised men, particularly those above 40, to undergo regular checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and overall cardiovascular health.
They also urged men experiencing persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, abnormal heartbeat, weakness or fainting during or after sexual activity to seek medical attention.
