Answer:

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Unmanaged, it can damage the heart, blood vessels, brain, eyes, and kidneys, leading to chronic diseases. At 52, your body undergoes cardiovascular and hormonal changes, so maintaining a sex life requires careful consideration of exertion levels and overall health.

Intimacy is generally safe if your blood pressure is consistently below 140/90 mmHg and you don't experience acute cardiovascular symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath with mild exertion, or irregular heartbeats. If these conditions are met, the frequency and intensity of intimacy can be similar to that of healthy individuals, around one to two times a week. Choose a time when your body is relaxed, avoiding intimacy immediately after a large meal or when excessively tired.

Sexual activity is a form of mild to moderate physical exertion, comparable to quickly climbing two to three flights of stairs. During intimacy, your heart rate may increase to around 110-130 beats per minute. This happens because the sympathetic nervous system is activated, releasing hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, which cause the heart to beat faster and contract more forcefully. For healthy individuals or those with well-managed high blood pressure, this temporary change is not dangerous. Conversely, for those with cardiovascular problems (such as severe coronary artery disease or heart failure), a sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure can deprive the heart of oxygen, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Individuals with blood pressure consistently at or above 160/100 mmHg despite treatment, or those who have recently experienced a heart attack or stroke, should exercise caution or temporarily abstain from intimacy.

Some high blood pressure medications, especially beta-blockers and diuretics, can affect sexual function, causing erectile dysfunction in men or decreased libido in women. If this occurs, patients should consult their doctor rather than discontinue medication on their own.

If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, or dizziness during intimacy, stop immediately and seek medical attention. Listening to your body, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, adhering to treatment, and regularly monitoring your blood pressure help protect your cardiovascular health.

Regular intimacy offers overall health benefits. During intimacy, the body releases endorphins and oxytocin—the "happiness hormones"—which reduce stress, improve mood, increase emotional bonding, and help stabilize blood pressure.

MSc. MD Nguyen Thi Oanh

Department of Cardiology, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi