The Effects of Heart Conditions on Intimacy

Thousands of people are diagnosed with heart disease every year. If you or someone you love has a heart condition, it's understandable to worry about when you can be intimate again. Physical and emotional changes cause patients to feel insecure and uncertain, but with reliable information, you and your partner can enjoy the intimacy you had before the heart disease.

Fear

• People with heart conditions often fear that sex may trigger a heart attack or stroke. According to the American Heart Association, this is the most common myth surrounding heart disease; it just isn't true. Physicians often recommend an exercise program once recovery is over, and sex is just another form of exercise. Patients who can walk up a flight of stairs or walk six minutes on a treadmill should be able to resume sexual activities. Certain heart conditions require special instructions, so always check with your doctor first.

Depression

• Depression is a common response to heart disease.

  Having a heart condition greatly impacts your emotional health. Depression and temporary mood swings are common for heart condition patients. You may feel like a different person inside, making it hard to connect with your partner on the same level as before. Depression usually subsides within three months after diagnosis for most people. Consider joining a support group or see a psychologist if you need extra help dealing with depression.

Insecurity

• Some heart disease patients have surgery to improve their condition, leaving them with a visible scar. Many people feel self-conscious and uncomfortable showing their body to their partner. Talk to your partner and let him or her know how you feel. Remember that your scar is a visible sign that you fought and survived heart disease. If you still feel uncomfortable, try wearing beautiful lingerie that covers your scar and makes you feel attractive.

Impotence

• Heart medications often have sexual side effects.

  Commonly prescribed heart medications often affect a man's libido, as well as his ability to maintain an erection for physical intimacy, according to CNN Health. Cholesterol-lowering medications and hypertension drugs have been linked to reports of erectile dysfunction. Blood pressure medications also affect women in a different way by lowering their sex drive. There are alternative heart medications available with lower risks of sexual side effects, so ask your doctor if one is right for you. Erectile dysfunction medications are also usually safe for most male cardiac patients not using nitrates.

Embarrassment

• According to 123angina.com, both men and women have less physical intimacy after a heart attack than before. Less than half report it to their cardiologist due to embarrassment. Cardiologists often don't initiate the conversation either. People are embarrassed to talk about physical intimacy issues, even if it is their own doctor, but this step is an important one. Talk candidly with your doctor. She is the most familiar with your heart condition and the best judge of what your personal limitations are.