Researchers from the University of Chicago reported last week that, following a heart attack, sexual activity declines for both men and women whose cardiologists fail to give them advice on resuming sexual activity. Worse, only half the men, and only one third of the women, received that guidance from their doctors.
The researchers, who presented their data at the American Heart Association Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke 2010 Scientific Sessions, urge cardiologists to remember that giving their heart attack patients instructions on sexual activity is just as important as giving them instructions on other forms of exercise.
It is unlikely that most cardiologists will take particular notice of this study.
So, if you have had a heart attack, you should bring up the topic of sexual activity yourself. To guide your discussions, here is an article on when it is safe to resume sex after a heart attack.
