Sexual intercourse not only brings enjoyment but can also have a positive impact on cardiovascular health, including temporary decreased blood pressure. However, this effect needs to be clearly understood to be applied safely, especially for people with cardiovascular disease or severe high blood pressure.
Mechanisms to help reduce blood pressure
According to James Myhre and Dr. Dennis Sifris, sex is like a form of exercise, which strengthens the heart and improves vascular elasticity. This process takes place through three main mechanisms:
Vasoconstriction: When intercourse, the body releases oxytocin, the love hormone, stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood circulation.
Reduce stress: sex triggers endorphins, a mood-enhancing hormone that helps reduce psychological stress, a common cause of high blood pressure.
Improve sleep: pleurs help increase sleep quality and duration, thereby supporting the regulation of hormones related to blood pressure such as cortisol and melatonin.
Frequency and long-term impact
A 2024 study published in Scientific Reports analyzed data from 17,243 adults over 11 years and showed: Having sex less than 12 times/year increases the risk of high blood pressure by 30% and the risk of heart disease by 86% compared to 52 - 103 times/year.
The frequency of over 365 times/year increases the risk of heart disease by double compared to the group of regulating relationships.
This shows that regular sex at a reasonable level can bring cardiovascular benefits, but too much can also put pressure on the circulatory system.
Sexual types and effects
Having sex with a partner tends to bring longer-term lower blood pressure benefits than women, thanks to emotional support and bonding factors. A study in Biological Psychology shows that people who have sex through the vaginal route have 14 mmHg lower coronary blood pressure than those who do not have sex.
Risks and notes
According to the American Academy of Cardiology, only 0.7% of heart attack patients reported having sex right before the event. However, for people with heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure, they should discuss with a doctor to determine the safety limit.
Some studies have also shown that having sex at least 52 times a year after a heart attack can reduce the risk of death from heart disease by 10% and the risk of death from all other causes.
sex can be a natural "medicine" to help control blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health if maintained at a reasonable frequency and form. For healthy people, this is a beneficial activity, but for people with heart disease or severe high blood pressure, it is necessary to consult a medical professional before maintaining or enhancing sexual activity.
