Sex & Heart Health: 4 Surprising Benefits Blog Post

Sex & Heart Health: 4 Surprising Benefits

cardiogram Heart Health

Alright, let’s do it; let’s talk about how sex can promote better heart health. While it’s not regularly talked about, the benefits are pretty wide-ranging. From increasing blood flow to lowering stress levels.

Not only that, but studies have also shown that men who have sex at least twice per week decrease their likelihood of having a heart attack. And the same goes for women who disclose they’re satisfied with their sex lives.1

lady in white holding her chest
Can sex be dangerous if I have a heart condition?

Before we talk about the benefits of sex, let’s first address this frequently asked question. Because many who suffer from heart conditions are nervous that sex could cause a heart attack. And this is because sex does increase heart rate.

While any physical activity (including sex) could increase your risk of heart attack, so long as your heart condition is stable, the risk is minor. In fact, sex doesn’t increase your odds of heart attack any more than a brisk walk, a jog, or a walk up the stairs would.1

So, if your doctor has OK’d you for these activities, and you feel comfortable engaging in them, then you’re likely equally safe having sex. Of course, if you’re at all concerned, we always recommend speaking with your doctor.

When should I be concerned about having sex?

If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arrhythmia, you should abstain from sex and all other moderate to high intensity physical activities until you’ve been checked and cleared by a doctor. (Just to be on the safe side.)

Okay, now for the good stuff…

4 Surprising Benefits of Sex on Heart Health
Sex (when healthy and consensual) has many benefits on cardiovascular health. Afterall, it’s well known that physical activity is great for our hearts. And getting busy between the sheets also fits into that category. Because of this, and multiple other reasons, sex can have a positive impact on our hearts, including:
1. Increases physical activity
Sex can be a great cardio workout. As such, it naturally improves your heart health. This is because during sex, both your heart rate and blood flow increase, strengthening your heart and blood vessels. Plus, this level of physical activity can also help lower your blood pressure, reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.2
2. Lowers stress
Endorphins are the body's natural feel-good chemicals, and they're released during sex.3 These chemicals are known to help reduce stress and anxiety, which are two major contributors to heart disease. So, if you find yourself feeling stressed, a little lovemaking could be just what the doctor ordered.
3. Improves sleep
Good sleep is essential for good heart health. And sex can help to improve your sleep quality. This is because after sex, the body releases the hormone oxytocin, “the love hormone,” which can help you feel relaxed. This can encourage better and more overall restful sleep, helping to improve heart health.
4. Strengthens relationships
Having a strong, supportive, and intimate relationship with your partner can also have a positive impact on the cardiovascular system. When we feel close and connected to our partners, our stress levels decrease, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. So, not only is sex good for your heart, but it can also help strengthen your relationship, leading to an even greater heart-health boost.
couples in a bed having a intimate conversation
Pillow Talk
Now that we’ve gone through the benefits, it's important to note that while sex can have many heart-healthy benefits, it's certainly not necessary in order to maintain a healthy heart. (Nor is it a cure-all.) So, be sure to also focus on other heart healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise in other ways, while also enjoying the added benefits of sex.

BE  YOUR OWN BEST HEALTH ADVOCATE


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BE  YOUR OWN BEST HEALTH ADVOCATE


DOWNLOAD CARDIOGRAM
Cardiogram app shown on phone and smart watch