A Million People Have Stopped Indulging into Sex: Courtesy - Heart Problem

A striking observation from a leading heart charity suggests that a million people in UK have stopped having sex because of their heart condition.

Every heart patient and their physician should talk more openly about sex issues, the British Heart Foundation said, after its survey found nearly “a fifth of people with heart conditions, or 19%, found sex impossible and nearly a third, or 32%, have had sex less often as a result of their condition. One in five respondents said they were worried about having a heart attack or cardiac arrest during sex.”

The survey, involving 1,511 patients, carried out by the BHF magazine Heart Matters found 14 per cent had lost interest in sex because of the emotional impact of their health status.

Forty-six per cent of the men revealed that they suffered erectile dysfunction because of the medication given to them for treatment of cardiovascular irregularities.

The major problem based on this study is “30% had not discussed the issue with anyone including their doctor and 8% said they would have liked to get professional help but could not.”

According to Doireann Maddock, senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, sex is hugely important part of life, but it isn't getting the attention it deserves in the consultation room. Much awareness is required to address this issue, he feels.

“Problems like erectile dysfunction can often be tackled and rectified, but the first hurdle is identifying people who need that help. We'd like patients to feel comfortable and empowered to raise these issues, and for the NHS to proactively offer support in this area to everyone who needs it," he further added.