Sexual relations and intimacy are important to your well-being and relationships. You are not alone in thinking about sex and heart failure. In fact, about 2 out of every 3 people living with heart failure experience some issue with sex and intimacy. Some of the issues you may encounter are likely as a result of reduced desire and difficulty in engaging in different sexual activities.
Caregivers play an invaluable part in supporting people living with heart failure. However, this role can be stressful and overwhelming, and it may be difficult for a caregiver to balance their needs with those of their loved one.
Canadian Adult Congenital Heart Network pools the knowledge and experience of congenital heart disease professionals in Canada and creates a community of individuals committed to caring for adults with congenital heart disease.
Canadian Cardiovascular Society is the national voice for cardiovascular clinicians and scientists.
I was born with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. HOCM for short. Basically, it means my heart muscle is too thick, making it harder to pump blood. In 2008, my doctor noticed the murmur associated with my HOCM was getting louder. In 2010, I had to undergo an open-heart surgery to relieve the obstruction. Unfortunately, I had to undergo a second open-heart surgery in 2012, as the first surgery in 2010 was unsuccessful. I was medically managed until 2020 when I underwent a third open-heart surgery to replace the aortic and mitral valves.
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is a vital aspect of overall health. How we think, feel, act, and make decisions all play a role in our mental health.
Although the emotional impact of living with a chronic disease differs from one person to another, it is often quite substantial. Those who are not living with heart failure may not fully understand the challenges of living with the condition.
Sleep issues and heart failure may be related. For example, if you have heart failure, you’re more likely to experience insomnia. Similarly, sleep issues such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia can exacerbate heart failure symptoms.
This website was developed in partnership with clinical experts and people with lived experience. We are grateful for the commitment and generosity of all who assisted in developing the site, and for their valuable contributions to learn, connect and empower.
