To determine if a person with heart problems can safely resume sexual activity, which assessment result is most indicative of readiness?

To determine if a person with heart problems can safely resume sexual activity, which assessment result is most indicative of readiness?

• A. Resting heart rate above 120 bpm
• B. Walking 1 block or climbing 2 flights of stairs without symptoms
• C. Blood pressure below 90/60 at rest
• D. Onset of chest pain with mild exertion

Answer: (B)

Assess readiness by checking functional capacity and absence of symptoms during exertion. Being able to walk a block or climb two flights of stairs without chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness shows the heart can handle a level of exertion similar to sexual activity, which increases heart rate and blood pressure modestly. This indicates sufficient cardiac reserve and stability, making resuming sexual activity reasonable. In contrast, a resting heart rate above 120 bpm signals uncontrolled tachycardia or poor conditioning; not a safe indicator. A resting blood pressure below 90/60 indicates hypotension and possible hemodynamic instability. Experiencing chest pain with mild exertion suggests ongoing ischemia and would mean delaying sexual activity until stability is achieved.

Assess readiness by checking functional capacity and absence of symptoms during exertion. Being able to walk a block or climb two flights of stairs without chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness shows the heart can handle a level of exertion similar to sexual activity, which increases heart rate and blood pressure modestly. This indicates sufficient cardiac reserve and stability, making resuming sexual activity reasonable.

In contrast, a resting heart rate above 120 bpm signals uncontrolled tachycardia or poor conditioning; not a safe indicator. A resting blood pressure below 90/60 indicates hypotension and possible hemodynamic instability. Experiencing chest pain with mild exertion suggests ongoing ischemia and would mean delaying sexual activity until stability is achieved.