Are intimate relations safe after a heart attack?

A fellow caregiver asked...

My husband had an 80 percent blockage on the left side of his heart that affected the left and bottom chambers. His doctor was able to insert one stent, but the rest of the blockage was too solid to penetrate to insert the other two stents. I waited for three hours after surgery for the doctor come and explain what occured during surgery and what to expect in the future, but to this date, neither my husband or I have heard from him. I would like to know when and if we will be able to resume intimate relations, and if so, can he continue to use Viagra?

Expert Answer

James Frank is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the V.A. Medical Center in San Francisco.

Unfortunately, there's no way I can answer this question. The answer depends on so many different variables. Your husband really needs to go back and see a doctor who has access to his medical records to see if he's been fully treated. Best of luck to you both.