Cardiologists Warn Men With Heart Conditions Against Strenuous Sex

Cardiologists have advised men living with heart disease, particularly those with abnormal heart rhythms, to exercise caution with strenuous sexual activity because the physical exertion can impose additional stress on the cardiovascular system and potentially trigger serious complications.

The warning was issued as the world marked World Heart Day on September 29 under the World Heart Federation’s 2026 campaign theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” which seeks to promote early recognition of the warning signs and symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, with the World Health Organisation estimating that 19.8 million people died from cardiovascular conditions in 2022, representing about 32 per cent of all deaths globally.

In Nigeria, the WHO reported that 19.1 million adults aged between 30 and 79 were living with hypertension in 2019, while cardiovascular diseases accounted for 147,000 deaths that year, with only 11 per cent of adults with hypertension having their blood pressure under control.

Consultant Cardiologist at Providence Multispecialty Hospital, Asokoro, Abuja, Dr John Asekhame, explained that sexual activity constitutes a form of physical exertion that increases the body’s demand for energy and requires the heart to pump more blood.

“Sex is a form of physical exertion. It increases the energy demand, blood pumping, hormones and stimulation, and it affects the heart,” Asekhame said.

He explained that heart disease encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions, including damaged heart valves, hypertension, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, stressing that the potential risk associated with sexual activity depends largely on the nature and severity of the underlying condition.

According to him, men whose hypertension is well controlled can generally engage in sexual activity, while those with advanced heart failure may face serious complications when additional physical demands are placed on an already compromised heart.

Asekhame also warned men against self medication with erectile dysfunction drugs and sexual enhancement products, including sweets, gums and chocolates, noting that some of these products could interact adversely with cardiovascular or blood pressure medications or impose additional strain on the heart.

“Men should see their doctor to know which erectile dysfunction drug is safe for them,” he stressed.

He recommended routine cardiovascular assessments for men above 40, including electrocardiogram and echocardiogram examinations, and urged anyone who experiences persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, a pounding heartbeat, weakness or a sensation of fainting during or after sexual activity to seek prompt medical attention.

Public Health Physician and Director of Medical Services at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Dr Rotimi Adesanya, said erectile dysfunction remains one of the most common sexual health complaints among men and is frequently associated with cardiovascular disease and other conditions that impair blood circulation.

He explained that an erection depends on adequate blood flow to the penis, meaning conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, which compromise circulation, can contribute to erectile dysfunction.

“Men with erectile dysfunction need to see a physician for proper evaluation. Their heart, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels need to be assessed,” Adesanya said.

Adesanya cautioned against obtaining Viagra and similar medications from chemists or unregulated vendors without medical supervision, noting that such drugs can lower blood pressure and create potentially dangerous interactions in patients already taking medication for hypertension.

“If the blood pressure becomes too low during sexual activity, it can have serious consequences,” he cautioned.

He identified stigma as another significant barrier to appropriate treatment, noting that many men resort to self medication rather than discuss erectile dysfunction with a physician.

Adesanya also advised men against discontinuing prescribed blood pressure medication on the assumption that it is responsible for erectile difficulties, explaining that the underlying cardiovascular condition itself is often a more significant contributor.

Both physicians urged men, particularly those above 40, to undergo regular screening for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol abnormalities and to seek professional medical advice before taking any erectile dysfunction medication or sexual enhancement product.

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