[Sexual activity in cardiac patients. An empirical study]

The objectives of this study are to evaluate the beliefs and views linked to sexuality and sexual behaviour, and the emotional impact of a cardiac lesion.

A retrospective cross-sectional study of the lived experience of sexuality after the appearance of the cardiac lesion.

Hospital and primary care.

A sample of 30 people (12 women and 18 men) with a cardiac complaint, with an average age of 69.89 for women and 60.89 for men. 89% of the men had a stable partner (with an average age of 46.25), and 50% of the women (with an average age of 71.17).

Results showed that the appearance of disease was lived as a tough blow and imposed clear limitations on sufferers' lives. Specific sexual problems linked to cardiac complaints appeared, such as difficulties with erection (50%), reduction of libido (61.1%) and of intensity of pleasure (38.9%). Sexual activity was practically non-existent in the women surveyed.

The need to contribute a proper intervention for cardiovascular patients involves recognising the need to develop adequate programmes of sexual counselling. Health-workers must also give information on these kinds of question to cardiac patients.