Sex, heart disease and physical disability

Reviewed by Dr Neal Uren, consultant cardiologist and Dr David Delvin, GP and sex and relationships expert


There are a many medical conditions and disabilities that make it difficult to enjoy a normal sex life.

For example, sexual intercourse may be difficult for people with any of the following conditions:


paralysis (following a stroke or a spinal injury)


severe arthritis


heart failure


severe respiratory problems (such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema)


kidney (renal) failure.


Numerically, the problem which most often affects people’s sex lives is heart disease.

Heart attacks and heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) are common, and can easily make patients feel frightened about re-starting sexual intercourse.

Unfortunately, a lot of people are embarrassed about discussing such issues. So a disabled person may find it hard to talk about his or her sexual problem or to ask for any kind of help. A reluctance to discuss things often makes the problem worse.

So do try and talk matters over with your partner and (if necessary) your doctor.

Heart disease

A patient's sex life may suffer following a heart attack or other form of heart disease, even after recovery. The patient or their spouse may be afraid that the physical strain of sexual intercourse will provoke serious heart problems.

In fact, the exertion of sexual intercourse does not usually exceed that of climbing four floors of stairs at an easy pace, provided people take things easily.

If the patient can climb four floors without breathing difficulties, significant palpitations or any much chest pain (angina), they should be able to have sex as well. Having sex may even restore their faith in their health.

After the shock of heart disease, and the natural fear of losing each other, a couple may find that their relationship is made stronger by resuming their sex life. Anyone who has had a heart attack and is concerned about having sex should ask their doctor for guidance.


Based on a text by Dr Erik Fangel Poulsen, specialist