It’s the usual story, man trades in wife of thirty years for trophy model and then has heart attack on the job. And this theory was propounded by a study back in March that suggested physical activity like sex could make you three times more likely to have a heart attack in the hours afterwards.
What these guys forget is that, if you’re overweight, unfit and over 50, there is the same risk to your heart as there would be if you suddenly took up any other vigorous exercise, particularly if you already have fatty deposits lining your arteries which would reduce the amount of blood and oxygen reaching your heart muscle.
But what compounds the problem is if you add in the additional stress of an extra-marital affairs. According to Dr Graham Jackson, consultant cardiologist at the London Bridge Hospital and chairman of the Sexual Advice Association three large studies have shown that in 75 percent of the heart-related deaths from sex, 90 percent of the deceased are older men.
“It’s thought the combination of high-fat foods and alcohol – wining and dining – combined with vigorous exercise, often with a younger partner, is what tends to trigger the heart event.”
However, recent studies have found that the old cliche of sex causing a heart attack is actually wrong with only around 1% of heart attacks being linked to sexual activity. In fact, women who have two orgasms a week are up to 30 percent less likely to have heart disease than their sisters who don’t have such a good time.
Depression is linked with an increased risk of heart attack but the stress hormones can be counteracted by the good endorphins which are released during an orgasm.
So, there we have it. If you’re in good health and not having an affair, sex is not going to kill you whilst, for women, sex is more likely to protect you from heart disease.
If you have had angina or any other heart problems, you should speak to your doctor about the levels of activity that are suitable for you but, for everyone else, 30 minutes of moderate physical activity should be engage in up to five times per week… whether that’s pumping iron in the gym, power walking, jogging or staying in bed with your beloved is your choice.
I predict an increase in sexual activity for Baby Boomers.
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