Dear DR. ROACH: You recently discussed a study that shows that you can better use the next morning to use your medicine for high blood pressure to prevent heart attacks and strokes. I am a 55-year-old who is on high blood pressure medication, and my wife asked an interesting follow-up question: is it better to have sex at night rather than in the morning when there is a greater tendency to have heart attacks and strokes? the morning? – GM
ANSWER: Heart attacks and strokes are indeed more likely in the morning. This may be due to hormonal changes or increased risk of clotting in the morning, but there are other factors as well. However, there does not appear to be an increase in risk at any other time of the day due to morning exercise.
While regular exercise reduces the risk of a heart attack, extreme levels of exertion – especially in sedentary, high-risk men – can cause a heart attack or stroke. However, moderate exercise, such as due to sexual activity, does not increase the risk of a heart attack.
Couples who regularly engage in sexual activity have a slightly lower risk of overall deaths. You should engage in sexual activity when it is best for you, without worrying about the consequences of your heart.
Both men and women with a known heart disease should, of course, consult with their cardiologist to see if sexual activity is safe for them. It is generally only a health care among people with severe blockages in the arteries or severe heart failure.
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Dr. Roach regrets that he cannot answer individual letters, but will include them in the column where possible. Readers can email questions to [email protected] or email 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.