$Unique_ID{BRK01482}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Heart Attack and Sexual Relationship}
$Subject{heart attack sex}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Heart Attack and Sexual Relationship


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QUESTION:  This is a very difficult letter for me to write.  My husband has
always been a loving and affectionate man, and we have enjoyed our married
relationships deeply.  Recently he had a heart attack, from which he seems to
have recovered quite nicely.  However, though he now does all the physical
things he did before the attack, we still have not resumed our relationship.
I think he is frightened.  Is there anything I can do or say to help him
regain his manhood?

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ANSWER:  I can fully understand that writing this letter was not an easy task
for you, but I compliment you on the delicate language you used to convey your
meaning and the courage you displayed in forwarding this letter to me.
Talking about sex is not simple for many people, and may be one of the
problems your husband is facing as well.  There are a great many aspects to
overcoming a heart attack, and the mental and emotional are just as important
as the physical.  Along with the pain and doubt, are the fears, anxieties and
depression that can affect the way the patient acts.  In many cases these
feelings reduce the libido or desire for a period that extends beyond the
actual recovery time necessary for the heart to heal.  Sometimes the fear of
the dangers of physical sexual activity loom large in the mind, and often are
exaggerated.  Actually, though sexual activity does require some physical
energy, it is not excessively strenuous or dangerous.  Tests to determine the
amount of energy required for this act, have demonstrated that it is about
equal to climbing two flights of stairs.  If your husband can accomplish that
without symptoms or difficulty he most probably has nothing to fear from sex
activity itself.  Should symptoms arise during sex, such as chest pain for
example, you can always stop and then consult your physician.  However your
relations should resume gradually, after quiet times and not when there are
moments of other psychological stress or strain.  Your ability to reassure
your husband that his need to perform is not an issue at this time, and to
engage in a variety of loving caresses can provide just the right atmosphere
necessary for a return to all that existed before his attack.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
