Patient Consultation: I am 55 years old this year and have had hypertension for three to four years. My life with my wife used to be harmonious, but since having hypertension, I have been worried about the potential increase in blood pressure during intimate moments, fearing it may lead to a stroke. Consequently, I have refused intimacy, which has slightly affected our relationship. I urgently want to know if it is still possible to engage in intimacy after developing hypertension and how to ensure health.
This question likely reflects the concerns of many hypertension patients. What is hypertension most afraid of? There may be a hundred different responses, but ultimately, it all boils down to the fear of sudden spikes in blood pressure affecting health, such as strokes, cerebral hemorrhages, and others. Apart from factors like irregular medication and poor lifestyle habits, emotional issues can also contribute to the occurrence of these diseases.
For hypertension patients, maintaining stable emotions is essential for blood pressure control. This raises a question: can intimate activities still be pursued? After all, it involves a physical activity that can induce mental excitement.
Studies indicate that during intimacy, a patient’s systolic blood pressure can rise by 30-60 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure can rise by 20-40 mm Hg. This temporary increase in blood pressure poses no issues for the general population, but for hypertension patients, especially those with vascular hardening, a sharp rise in blood pressure could lead to a stroke. However, the situation is not straightforward, as the ability of hypertension patients to engage in intimacy varies from person to person.
Which hypertension patients can engage in intimate activities?
Overall, depending on the severity of a patient’s condition, hypertension patients can generally be classified into three categories:
The first category is mild, where blood pressure may occasionally increase but mostly remains stable, with no significant physical discomfort. Patients in this category can engage in intimate activities normally.
The second category is moderate, where blood pressure is relatively stable but may be accompanied by mild complications in organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, palpitations, etc. Patients in this category can engage in moderated intimacy after taking medication.
The third category is severe hypertension, where a patient’s baseline blood pressure is high, accompanied by conditions like angina, severe headaches, hemiplegia, etc., and the condition remains uncontrolled even with medication. In such cases, it is recommended to refrain from intimate activities to prevent sudden death, myocardial infarction, etc.
What should hypertension patients be mindful of during intimate activities?
Generally, one of the biggest obstacles for hypertension patients hearing about the risks of sudden death from intimate activities is psychological. Thus, it is crucial to first let go of psychological burdens and seek happiness under appropriate guidance.
Firstly, take medication as prescribed by the doctor daily to maintain stable blood pressure in the long term; do not skip doses as frequent blood pressure fluctuations can cause more serious bodily harm than imagined.
Secondly, the frequency of intimacy should not be excessive, ideally once every 1-2 weeks. It should not be overly exciting, and the duration should not be too long. It is advisable not to engage in intimacy while hungry, after alcohol consumption, in a fatigued state, or with tense emotions to avoid complications.
Finally, during intimate moments, if symptoms like chest tightness, headaches, increased heart rate, dizziness appear, it is recommended to stop immediately, lie down, have some tea, and wait for the symptoms to subside. If the symptoms do not improve, seek medical treatment promptly to prevent accidents.
If more severe symptoms arise, such as immobility in limbs, confusion, it may indicate a stroke. In such cases, do not move the patient and seek immediate medical assistance.
References:
Can Hypertension Patients Engage in Sexual Activities Differently[J]. Health for All, 2015
Can Hypertensive Patients Have Satisfactory Sexual Life?[J]. Journal of Medicine and Health Care, 2009
Rongy. Sexual Life Guide for Hypertensive Patients[J]. Journal of Medicine and Health Care, 2009
Li Zheng. If You Have Hypertension, Don’t Be Afraid of Sexual Life[N]. Health Times, 2008-09-08
