Always ask your Physician when you it is safe to start your sexual activity again.  Do not be afraid to ask.

Tips to help you get back to a great sexual life:

1. Expect a decrease in sexual desire after a heart attack or opened heart surgery.   This is normal and should only be temporary.

2.  You may be on a new and regular excise regiment that will help to build up your heart.  These exercises help gradually to build up your physical strength; which helps to build up your sexual strength as well.  As your confidence grows that your heart is healthy; than so your confidence will grow that you will be able to have an active and healthy sexual life.

3. Some medications, such as beta blockers, may affect sexual function.  Ask your physician if there is an alternative to these drugs or  may you take smaller   dosages. Never go off your medications without consulting your physician.  In men the most common side effect of these medications is Erectile Dysfunction.  Ask your physician what medications that would help to alleviate this physical problem.   Above all do not be afraid to ask questions and tell your physician what you are experiencing.

4. Depression: After a heart attack or opened heart surgery it is very common to experienced depression.  One may feel that they are not the same person that they once was.  That they longer can participate in the same physical activities that they once did.  Or, having the experience that they were so closed to death can be a very frightening to them.  Depression can be treated.  Talk with your physician; there are new medications that may help to alleviate this symptom.  Join a discussion group where you can express these feelings.  It is important for one to understand that you are not alone.

5. Anxiety: One may feel that if they resume sexual relations that it can jeopardize their heart again.  Talk to your physician about this issue.  Ask questions that may help to alleviate your fears.   Your physician will tell you when it is safe to have sexual relations again.   Keep an open line of communication with your partner.  Tell your partner your fears. 

6. Sexual foreplay: It was important before you had heart disease.  Now it is even more important and can be great fun.   Sexual foreplay not only lets the heart rate and blood pressure increase more slowly; it also helps to allow you to enjoy your partner. Think of sexual foreplay as warming up before any exercise regiment.  Don't forget to do it.

7. Opened heart surgery: During open heart surgery your sternal bone (breast bone) is broken.  This bone needs time to heal--about the same length of time as a broken arm. Precautions should be followed for about three months. One should not use their arms for heavy lifting, reaching or pushing because using the muscles in the chest and arms can disrupt the bone healing. For the first few months avoid sexual positions where the body is supported with the arms for a long time during sex.  Ask your physician when it is safe to resume sexual activity.

8. Do Not have sex after a heavy meal: Wait 2-3 hours after a heavy meal or an alcoholic drink, since these activities already increase the work on the heart. 

9. Be rested and relaxed: Always try to be rested and relaxed before you engage in sexual activity.  A good time may be early morning after a restful night's sleep or during the day after a nap.

10: Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your partner.  Tell your partner about your feelings, and let your partner tell you about theirs.  Make sure you listen to each other.

11. Experimentation: Don't look back on the old ways of having sexual relations with your partner.  You may have to change your sexual life style but it does not mean that it will not be enjoyable. Look into new ways to enhance your sexual activity.  Ask your physician what may be suitable positions for you and your partner.

12.  Ask questions: Remember that you are not alone with this disease.  Ask questions regarding sexuality and heart disease. The answers that you will receive will help you with your sexual life.

13: Planning: It is important to plan when you will have sex. Spontaneity is fine (however, that is great in the movies not in real life).  Planning was a very important to our sexual life, when we were dating or newlyweds.  Put the planning back into your sexual life.  It can be great fun and may alleviate some of the fears and anxieties that one may have during sexual intercourse.

A Word of Caution:

Do not try major changes in sexual activity if they make either partner tired or anxious. Anxiety and fatigue cause the heart to work harder. One should discuss with their Physician any angina experienced during sexual intercourse. Nitroglycerine may be prescribed to be taken before engaging in sexual activity.  If one feels uncomfortable about resuming sexual activities after an appropriate length of time of healing, discuss this with your Physician.

How often should one have sex?   Sexual activity varies from one couple to another.  Many times it depends on each individual and their previous habits before they had heart disease.  It is important to remember that sexual activity is very important to one's being.  Do not deny yourself of having a healthy and active sexual life because of a heart attack or open heart surgery.