sexual intercourse after myocardial infarction (MI)

Last reviewed 12/2020

  • NICE state that (1):
    • patients should be reassured that after recovery from an MI, sexual activity presents no greater risk of triggering a subsequent MI than if they had never had an MI
    • patients who have made an uncomplicated recovery after their MI can resume sexual activity when they feel comfortable to do so, usually after about 4 weeks
    • the subject of sexual activity should be raised with patients within the context of cardiac rehabilitation and aftercare
    • when treating erectile dysfunction, treatment with a PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor may be considered in patients who had an MI more than 6 months earlier and who are now stable
    • PDE5 inhibitors must be avoided in patients treated with nitrates and/or nicorandil because this can lead to dangerously low blood pressure

Reference:

  1. NICE (May 2007). Secondary prevention in primary and secondary care for patients following a myocardial infarction

Related pages:

nitrates and phosphodiesterase inhibitors