Sexual intercourse and stable angina pectoris

Stable angina pectoris is a common condition associated with chest pain predictable for a given level of exercise. Sexual intercourse does not lead to exaggerated heart rate or blood pressure responses and is interpreted by the heart as one of many forms of activity that may take place in a 24-hour period. Stable angina patients optimally treated are not at significantly increased cardiovascular risk during sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with age and shares similar cardiovascular risk factors with stable angina. Sildenafil citrate can be safely prescribed for stable patients with ED providing they are not taking oral, topical, or sublingual nitrates. Sexual relationships should not be constrained by the diagnosis of angina pectoris provided appropriate medical advice is given on risk status. Family physicians and specialists are able to provide this advice based on their knowledge of the patient and the social circumstances. Impersonal advice is potentially dangerous and should be vigorously discouraged.