Heart Beat: Lack of sex affects the heart
If your doctor asks about your sex life, take it as a good sign that he or she is exploring all avenues to check up on your heart and general health.
The connection between sexual activity and heart disease is murkier in women. In the national Women's Health Initiative, dissatisfaction with sexual activity (a shaky stand-in for problems of female sexual function) was linked to the development of peripheral artery disease, but not to heart attack, coronary artery disease, or other cardiovascular conditions.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.