London - They are advised to stop smoking and cut back on alcohol. But one thing heart attack patients shouldn’t skimp on is sex, according to experts.
Doctors say it is perfectly safe for most heart attack survivors to make love – with one even saying it has active benefits.
Claudio Gil Araujo, a doctor and exercise scientist in Brazil, believes that it can help raise spirits at a time when patients are feeling low.
“Heart patients are usually weak and depressed,” he told MailOnline. “Sexual activity – including kissing – can help them resume a normal way of life.”
After reviewing more than 150 studies on the subject, Dr Araujo said that doctors should broach the subject with patients the same way they advise on exercise.
He added that the exertion of sex is similar to that of a brisk walk, so is unlikely to trigger another heart attack.
It is estimated that someone has a heart attack every seven minutes in the UK.
However the British Heart Foundation says patients can start having sex again as soon as they feel well enough, which normally takes between four and six weeks.
The NHS states: “There’s no evidence to suggest that having sex increases your risk of having another attack. Physical activity is good for the heart and, for most people, continues to be recommended.”
Daily Mail