Suggest Treatment For Palpitations And Tachycardia During Intercourse

Posted on Thu, 19 Feb 2015

Question: I have a question. I have Pacs that showed up on a holter monitor. 950 in 48 hours. My echo, stress test, ecg came back as normal. This was 6 months ago. During sexual intercourse last night, upon orgasm my heart started racing at around 160-170 BPM. It slowed down after approximately 3 minutes. This is the second time this has happened. I didn't do strenuous activity during sex it was very relaxed. I do suffer from anxiety. I am very worried right now.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Not worrisome,try to control stress...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It is normal to have increased heart rates during orgasm as the level of adrenalin is extremely high during this activity. Also it's normal that sometimes you may experience palpitations and tachycardia during orgasm.

There is nothing worrisome as long as all tests you did 6 months ago were all fine.

For the moment, I advise to:
- repeat Holter monitoring now and other examinations (Echo, stress test) after 6 months (in total 1 year after the last tests)
- try to control stress, using chamomile tea or aloe vera/valerian tea are also recommended
- take beta-blockers to control your symptoms
- start anxio-lytic drugs only when the symptoms are worrisome and affect your quality of life.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (4 minutes later)

Hi Doctor. I can deal with the heart rate as long as I know it is not dangerous. I would rather not take medication. I have begun treatment for anxiety through cognitive behavioral therapy however it will take at least a few weeks before I notice any significant changes. I was worried because 160- 170 BPM seemed very high even though I wasn't doing a lot of work. It started going up more right at orgasm and lasted about 3 minutes. Do you think I will be ok?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You shouldn't worry your heart is ok.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back again.

You shouldn't worry your heart is ok.
Again as I said earlier it's normal to have tachycardia right at orgasm due to excessive adrenaline release.

Your heart is normal and you shouldn't worry about tachycardia as long as it last only 3 minutes after orgasm.

Stay relaxed and try to control anxiety.

Wish you health!
Dr.Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar