Cardiac disease and sexuality: Implications for research and practice

Many symptoms of cardiovascular disease can impact the patient's level of sexual desire. Nurses are in a position to assess sexuality of the cardiovascular patient and to provide a high degree of counseling on the subject; yet, nurses frequently complain that they lack the proper knowledge to provide this education and counseling. This article attempts to provide the necessary information regarding the physiologic effects of sexual intercourse on the heart, the role of sexuality in various types of cardiovascular disease, and the evidence-based nursing interventions needed to provide holistic care to patients with cardiovascular disease.