What heart attack survivors should know consider before resuming sex

Doctors should counsel heart attack and stroke victims, who are afraid of having sex for fear of overdoing it, experts have suggested.

According to lead author Professor Elaine Steinke, an expert in cardiovascular nursing from Wichita State University in the US, patients should be routinely assessed to ensure they are "healthy enough to resume sexual activities," the Independent reported.

The new recommendations says that doctors should also discuss with them when to resume sexual activity, how to be intimate without having sexual intercourse, and suggested positions.

It has been revealed that choosing to embark on a passionate affair could be dangerous, however sleeping with your partner may be recommended.

The guidance warns that sex in familiar surroundings, in a comfortable room temperature, and with the usual partner adds less stress to the heart, while sexual activity with an extramarital partner could pose a health risk for those with cardiac disease.

The guidelines are published in the European Heart Journal and the American Heart Association's journal Circulation.