[Sexual activity in the convalescent from acute myocardial infarct. Bibliographic review]

There is little information in the medical literature about the renewal of sexual activity in patients who have suffered an MI. The knowledge which the internist and the cardiologist have are normally insufficient. The equivalents in energetic cost of a sexual relation of a middle aged adult, are similar to those of: a) a simple Master test of two stairs, b) walking rapidly the length of a street, c) climbing two flights of stairs. d) a test with ergometer to 100 watts or 600 kg-m-m, e) to walk the endles band at 3.5 miles/hour, f) to carry out activities equivalent to 6 cal/min. The average of the maximum cardiac frequency which is reached during coitus is from 115 to 120, equivalent to approximately 4-5 mets., during 20-36 seconds. In the post and preorgasmic period (1 min, before and after) the energetic cost is close to 4 mts. It should be emphasized that there should not exist an exact limit after which the patient who has had an MI is permitted to have sexual relations. The sexual activity should be advised if the patient has satisfactorily passed any of the equivalent tests mentioned above. The cardiologist should know these facts and not wait until the patient asks about them; he should have the initiative to openly discuss them with the patient and his partner from the period interhospitalary convalescence of the MI.