Communicating about sexual activity and intimacy after a heart attack: a cross-sectional survey of Australian health professionals.

Aims: Sexual activity and intimacy improve quality of life for heart attack survivors. After a heart attack, patients frequently experience sexual dysfunction and anxiety about resuming sexual activity. However, most health professionals do not discuss sex or intimacy with their patients.

Australian health professionals' perspectives on discussing sexual activity and intimacy with people who have had a heart attack: a qualitative study.

Background: Sexual activity and intimacy contribute to wellbeing throughout adult life, including after a heart attack. Providing support and information about sexual activity and intimacy after a heart attack is recognised as part of a comprehensive approach to cardiac rehabilitation. Previous research shows that patients expect health professionals to initiate discussions about sexual activity and intimacy, but that this seldom occurs.