Many of the Oregonians who experienced SCA had known heart disease at the time, regardless of whether the event occurred during sexual activity or at another time. Of note, however, SCA during sexual activity presented with ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia in 76% of cases, versus a 45% rate in individuals whose SCA was not associated with sexual intercourse.
“The data are very reassuring,” Dr. Aro said in an interview. “Many of these patients had known cardiac disease, but still the absolute numbers of events are very small. Our take home message from this study is that sexual activity can be regarded as safe even in cardiac patients.”
The Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association. Dr. Aro reported having no financial conflicts of interest.