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Coronary heart disease Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about coronary heart disease

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

Can I drive a car if I have heart disease?

It depends. If you have angina, then you can only drive if your symptoms are under control. If you have had a heart attack or surgery you will need to wait at least a month without any symptoms before you can get back behind the wheel.

Explanation

If you have heart disease it could be dangerous for you to drive. An episode of angina or a heart attack might cause you to crash your car. Because of this the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has a set of guidelines to give advice on who is safe to drive and who isn't.

If you have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease or you have had a heart attack, your doctor will advise you about whether or not you can drive. For example, after a heart attack or heart surgery you will need to wait several weeks so that your doctor can make sure that your symptoms are under control. You should also check your insurance policy, as you may need to inform your insurance company of your illness.

Further information

Sources

  • At a glance guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drive. DVLA, 2007, www.dvla.gov.uk, accessed 21 September 2007
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If I have had a heart attack, when can I go back to work?

This can depend on lots of things, including how serious your heart disease is and what type of work you do.

Explanation

People react differently when they survive a heart attack. This can affect how long a person is off work.

Some people return to work sooner than others because of the type of work they do. If you do manual work, such as lifting objects or operating heavy machinery, you shouldn't be working if this causes any chest pain, breathlessness or palpitations. People who work in an office may be able to start work sooner.

The amount of stress involved in your job may also play a part in when you can return to work. Job stress, and how you react to it, may contribute to your risk of heart disease.

If you have heart disease or have had a heart attack, talk to your doctor about when you are fit enough to go back to work.

Further information

Sources

  • Petrie KJ, et al., Role of patients' view of their illness in predicting return to work and functioning after myocardial infarction: longitudinal study BMJ 1996, 312: 1191-1194. www.bmj.com, accessed 1 January 2008
  • Returning to work with a heart condition. British Heart Foundation, 2007, www.bhf.org.uk, accessed 21 September 2007
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Can I have sex if I have heart disease?

Yes, most people can continue to have a healthy sex life after being diagnosed with heart disease. However, there is a greater risk of impotence for men.

Explanation

Some people worry they won't be able to have sex after a heart attack or heart disease but this isn't usually the case. Sex is like any other form of exercise. You need to talk to your doctor before starting exercise after a heart attack. But it isn't ruled out and is an important part of rehabilitation after a heart attack. You may be advised to start things slowly, and to wait two to three weeks before having sex. If you have any chest pain or breathlessness caused by sex or any other form of exercise, tell your doctor.

Heart disease can increase the risk of impotence in men. If atherosclerosis has narrowed the blood vessels in the penis it can make it difficult to achieve an erection. The psychological impact of a heart attack may also affect your ability to have sex. Rarely, medicines you are taking, such as beta-blockers, can affect your sex drive. If you have any problems, talk to your doctor.

Further information

Sources

  • Sexual Activity and Heart Disease or Stroke. American Heart Association. www.americanheart.org, accessed 8 October 2007
  • Sex and Heart Disease. British Heart Foundation. www.bhf.org.uk, accessed 19 February 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr James Quekett, BSc MB ChB MRCGP DRCOG DFFP, partner/principal general practitioner at Rowcroft Medical Centre and Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

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