#AskDrKK: Can the risk of heart attack after sexual act be minimized?

#DrKKAnswers:
a. The triggers to acute heart attack are increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand, as well as increased platelet agreeability and coagulation in combination with a vulnerable coronary plaque [1].
b. Drugs that reduce heart rate or blood pressure or inhibit platelet aggregation reduces the risk of triggers of heart attack.
c. Beta blockers minimize or eliminate angina heart pain during sexual act.
d. The Determinants of Myocardial Infarction Onset Study showed that beta blockers reduced the risk of MI following anger [2] but not sexual act [3].
e. Aspirin lowers the risk of heart attack following anger [3] and the morning waking hours [4].

References
1. J Am Coll Cardiol 1994; 23:809.
2. Circulation 1995; 92:1720.
3. JAMA 1996; 275:1405.
4. Circulation 1990; 82:897.

#AskDrKK:What is the risk of acute heart attack after a sexual act?

#DrKKAnswers:
Sexual act contributes to the onset of acute heart attack in only 0.9 percent of patients.

The relative risk of acute heart attack within two hours after sexual activity is 2.5. There is no increased risk of heart attack beyond this time period.

This risk is reduced in patients who undergo regular exercise. The risk is same irrespective of past history of heart disease.

Source:JAMA 1996; 275:1405.