Sex may be the last thing on the mind of anyone with a dodgy ticker – but research shows it could actually be a life-saver.
Scientists who looked at death rates among men and women with heart disease found those enjoying sex at least once a month were half as likely to die from cardiac troubles as others who were largely celibate.
Regular sexual activity is now thought to have a protective effect on the heart, even in those with diseased arteries, by stimulating blood flow.
However many men and women diagnosed with cardiovascular problems are reluctant to indulge in sex, in case it triggers a life-threatening attack.
Researchers from Walden University in Minneapolis in the US tracked tens of thousands of adults aged between 20 and 59 for their survey, quizzing them on their sex life and matching the findings with their medical histories.
The results, published in the journal Healthcare, showed those with a history of heart trouble were up to five times more likely to die prematurely than others the same age with no cardiac issues.
But those who had sex at least once a month were half as likely to suffer an early death as heart patients with no active love life.
The results support earlier studies which showed that resuming sexual activity within a few months of a heart attack can reduce the chances of dying by more than a third.
Scientists who looked at death rates among men and women with heart disease found those enjoying sex at least once a month were half as likely to die from cardiac troubles as others who were largely celibate
In a report on their findings, the scientists said: ‘There is a wide array of health benefits associated with regular sexual activity.
‘Given that heart disease is a leading cause of mortality, these benefits are especially important to address.’
Heart attacks and strokes kill around 170,000 people a year in the UK – the equivalent of one of every three minutes. And about 1.4 million people have survived at least one heart attack.
The British Heart Foundation says it is normal for those with heart conditions to feel anxious about having sex.
But it adds: ‘For most people, there is no reason why you can’t continue to enjoy a healthy sex life. Sex is no more likely to trigger a heart attack than any other form of activity.’