Stating that heart patients often ask cardiologists whether sexual intercourse is beneficial for heart health, Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Tuna Katırcıbaşı noted that the researches on this subject so far are limited. Katırcıbaşı stated that individuals with a healthy heart generally have a more regular sexual life, and a regular sexual life can reduce the risk of heart attack, and said:
“SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP IS LIKE EXERCISE”
“Sex is like an exercise, but not quite. During an average sexual intercourse, you cannot burn the calories you need to spend daily. Assuming that sexual intercourse lasts an average of 5 to 15 minutes, you’ll get the same amount of activity as walking 1.5km in 20 minutes. Spouses reach a heart rate of about 110 to 120 per minute here. In other words, you get the minimum efficiency from sexual intercourse in terms of cardiology. In short, you shouldn’t rely on it as your only workout.”
THOSE WHO HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONS MORE THAN TWO A WEEK…
prof. Dr. Tuna Katırcıbaşı said that a study showed that men who have sexual intercourse twice a week or more are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who have sex once a month or less.
Katırcıbaşı said, “However, it should not be forgotten that studies like this do not prove that sexual intercourse prevents heart disease; They suggest it is part of a recommended lifestyle change for a generally healthy heart. Also, studies like this one often focus on men because men are more likely to have heart disease. Therefore, it would not be wrong to apply the same logic to women,” she said.
CAN I HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP AFTER A HEART CHALLENGE?
Stating that sexual intercourse does not occur in the vast majority of heart patients, Katırcıbaşı said, “Patients usually ask this after a heart attack or heart disease diagnosis. In fact, cardiologists often encourage heart patients if they are fit enough for intercourse. The reason for this is simple. Because your blood pressure rises during sex, it typically peaks at around 160/90. This is comparable to what happens during a brisk run for a few minutes and then returns to normal. However, there is evidence that sexual intercourse with an unfamiliar partner (such as extramarital affairs) may be risky for men with heart disease. After a heart attack, in most cases, a safe sexual intercourse is possible 1-2 weeks after the patient becomes stable.
Katırcıbaşı stated that regular sexual intercourse can be one of the rewarding parts of a healthy lifestyle in general, even if it is not a high-intensity exercise. In short, a healthy sex life will be good for your general health as well as your heart.”