Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, making the maintenance of heart health a valid objective for everyone in this country. In addition to its effects on longevity, heart attacks can profoundly affect a person’s choice of activities and therefore, their overall quality of life. Consequently, when a person survives a heart attack, it is perfectly reasonable for them to be wary of over-exerting themselves, fearing that their efforts will trigger another heart attack.

One popular activity that seems to take a hit is sex. Many heart attack survivors refrain from once again becoming sexual active for fear of compromising their hearts, so much so that that it can literally "kill your sex life." Experts, however, say that the chances of this are small and that many of the fears are simply not true. In fact, as reported on MSNBC.com, new findings have determined that not only is abstinence unnecessary, but that doctors can be key players in whether or not heart attack victims can resume a healthy sex life.

In the largest study of its kind, doctors surveyed over 1180 men and 570 women who had suffered heart attacks. Of that group, less than half of the men and about one third of the women said that they had received advice about having sex upon release from the hospital. That number was even smaller in terms of discussion with their doctor over the course of the next year.

Following one year, it was reported that about 67% of the men and 40% of the women had engaged in some degree of sexual activity. However, they were 30% to 40% more likely to resume sexual activity if they had some discussion about the topic with their doctor. Men seemed to be more likely to resume engaging in sex and as a group tended to more sexually active and married prior to the heart attack. Some people actually increased their level of intimacy, though these cases were the exception.

The take home message is that people should not be afraid of enjoying sex after suffering a heart attack, and a patient can resume such activities as soon as they feel better and can handle a low level of exercise. Experts indicate that the degree of exertion during intercourse is less than that required to shovel snow, and perhaps a bit more enjoyable. Consequently, the risk for having a recurrence of a cardiac episode is low.

The American Heart Association offers the following advice to heart attack survivors:

• Be aware that depression and moodiness are not uncommon in survivors, but
  should pass within three months.

• Prepare for a return to being sexually active through a low level of physical
  conditioning.

• Maintain good personal hygiene.
• Choose times when you are well rested, relaxed, and free from stress.
• Wait one to three hours after a meal.
• Choose a familiar setting where you won’t be interrupted.
• If you experience dizziness of chest pains, stop and contact your doctor.

If you have questions or concerns, speak with your physician. For more information about sex after a heart attack, visit the website for the American Heart Association.