Doctors urged men with heart disease to avoid strenuous sex, self-medication for erectile dysfunction
Men living with heart disease — particularly those with abnormal heart rhythms — should avoid rigorous sexual activity because the physical exertion can place dangerous extra stress on the heart, cardiologists have warned.
The caution comes 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 emphasises early recognition of cardiovascular disease signs and symptoms.
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally. The World Health Organisation estimated that 19.8 million people died from these conditions in 2022, accounting for about 32 per cent of all deaths worldwide. In Nigeria, the WHO reported that 19.1 million adults aged 30 to 79 had hypertension in 2019, while cardiovascular diseases caused 147,000 deaths that year. Only 11 per cent of adults with hypertension had their blood pressure under control.
Consultant Cardiologist at Providence Multispecialty Hospital, Asokoro, Abuja, Dr John Asekhame, explained that sexual activity is a form of physical exertion that raises the body’s energy demand 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 noted that heart disease covers a range of conditions, including damaged valves, hypertension, heart failure and abnormal rhythms. The risk during sex depends on the type and severity of the condition. Men with well-controlled hypertension can usually engage in sexual activity, but those with advanced heart failure risk serious complications when the heart is subjected to additional stress.
Asekhame strongly advised against self-medication with erectile dysfunction drugs or sexual enhancement products such as sweets, gums and chocolates. Some of these substances can react adversely with heart or blood-pressure medicines or place further strain on the heart.
“Men should see their doctor to know which erectile dysfunction drug is safe for them,” he stressed.
He also recommended that men over 40 undergo routine heart checks, including electrocardiogram and echocardiogram tests. Anyone experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, a pounding heartbeat, weakness or a feeling of fainting during or after sex should seek medical attention if the symptoms persist.
Public Health Physician and Director of Medical Services at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Dr Rotimi Adesanya, added that erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual complaints among men and is frequently linked to heart disease and related conditions.
An erection depends on adequate blood flow to the penis. Conditions that impair circulation — including hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol — can therefore 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.
He warned that many men buy Viagra and similar drugs from chemists or unregulated vendors without medical advice. These medicines can lower blood pressure, creating a dangerous interaction for patients already taking hypertension drugs.
“If the blood pressure becomes too low during sexual activity, it can have serious consequences,” he cautioned.
Adesanya also highlighted stigma as a major barrier, noting that many men prefer to self-medicate rather than discuss erectile dysfunction with a doctor. He urged men not to stop their blood-pressure medication on the assumption that it is causing erectile problems, since the underlying cardiovascular disease itself is often the real cause.
Both doctors emphasised that men, especially those over 40, should undergo regular screening for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol and obtain medical advice before using any erectile dysfunction or sexual enhancement product.
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