Men can still perform after Chronic Heart Failure

Many men who suffer from chronic heart failure are worried about having sex and
may stop having a sex life. Most men with this disease also suffer from erectile
dysfunction. In a recent press release, the Mayo Clinic announced the results of
a recent study. The good news? Men with chronic heart failure can have active
sex lives, even if they have erectile dysfunction, they say.

Why do men stop having sex? There are many different reasons. Some men are
concerned that sex will put too much of a strain on their heart, and cause a
heart attack. Others with chronic heart failure may suffer from fatigue,
depression, or side effects from medications. Some men with chronic heart
failure lose interest in sex altogether, or suffer from erectile dysfunction.

Physicians from the Mayo Clinic conducted an in-depth study into the issue of
sex with chronic heart disease. They compared data regarding the sex lives of
middle-aged men, both those with and without chronic heart disease.

A man's heart rate will peak during intercourse. However, researchers found that
although it peaks, this peak is still lower than the heart rate that most men
experience while they're doing normal, daily activities. Walking, watching TV,
and reading, are all considered normal activities.

Like heart rate, their oxygen consumption during sex wasn't much different than
when these men engaged in moderate activities. Moderate activities include
things like walking up a flight of stairs slowly, walking at 3 to 4 miles an
hour, or doing housework.

Many men with chronic heart failure also suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Researchers estimate that 60 to 70 percent of men with chronic heart failure
also suffer from erectile dysfunction.

In addition to having a lower capacity for exercise, men with chronic heart
failure often have problems with blood vessels and circulation. These problems
can result in problems with blood flowing into the penis and the ability to get,
or maintain, an erection.

Most physicians prescribe one of several different medications for erectile
dysfunction. These medications can pose health risks for men with chronic heart
failure.

The report said that, "Taken together, these studies show that erectile
dysfunction in patients with mild to moderate chronic heart failure can be
safely and effectively treated with sildenafil, provided that patients are
appropriately screened before therapy."

The authors of the study affirm that an active sex life can increase one's
quality of life and should not be ignored.

This is not meant to be medical advice. If you are concerned about this, or any
other medical condition, you should seek qualified medical advice and talk with
your physician.