You will begin an exercise program after tests show your heart is healing. You should not exercise after eating and avoid fatigue. Because of such caution toward physical activity after a heart attack, many couples mistakenly believe intercourse is risky and abstain from it. Couples may also avoid holding, caressing, or pleasuring because they think these activities may lead to intercourse. Unfortunately, these fears may place a strain on their lives and their relationships.
Heart attacks differ widely in severity.
Many men and women recover with little damage. Today people with heart attacks once considered damaging can be treated with surgery and medications and then return to reasonably normal lives. Most people who have had heart attacks can return to their careers. In addition to work, sexuality is important to your self-esteem. Men and women who are not informed about the potential for living nearly normal lives, including enjoying a normal sexual life, may become fearful and depressed and adopt a life-long defeatist outlook.