Sexual health in patients after heart attack

Abstract

Myocardial infarction is an existentially significant experience caused by a direct threat to life. According to the WHO’s definition, sexual health involves the biological, emotional, mental and social aspects of an individual’s sex life. Thus, the question arises, how do patients after a heart attack experience their sexuality. The sexual health of individuals in this special life situation depends on a large number of subjective and non-subjective factors, including relationship factors. This article attempts to systematise the knowledge available from the point of view of systemic family theory. Sexual health of people in this particular situation in life depends on many factors beyond the signs and symptoms, including relational. This article constitutes an attempt to organize the available knowledge from the point of view of the theory of the family system. Sexual activity is an important sphere of human life. Patients with a history of heart attack, experience many unspoken fears for their life and health. Strong negative emotions increase with  finding  sexual dysfunction, particularly in the form of erectile dysfunction. Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation can and should include psychoeducation, counseling, and sometimes sexual and marital therapy for patients and their spouses. It is not just about improving the quality of life for patients, but also a return to health in all its aspects