For men, sex can be good for your heart

Good news for men! Sexual activity atleast twice a week could be good for your heart, as according to a study, it reduces the level of a harmful chemical in the blood, which triggers life-threatening cardiac problems.

According to researchers, having sex several times a week can lead to better circulation and healthier blood vessels in men, which researchers say is crucial for preventing a build-up of the chemical homocysteine, which triggers life-threatening cardiac problems.

The team also stated that women may not benefit much, because for them, sexual arousal is less dependent on having a healthy blood flow, which is a key factor in keeping homocysteine under control.

The researchers from the National Defence Medical Centre in Taiwan tracked more than 2,000 men and women, aged from 20 to 59.

They analysed blood samples to measure levels of homocysteine and matched the results up with volunteers' sexual activity.

The results showed the lowest traces of the chemical were found in men claiming to have sex at least twice a week, while the highest readings were found in those restricted to less than once a month.

The authors said that this is the first study of its kind to evaluate the correlation between sexual frequency and homocysteine levels.

"A good quality sex life, frequent sex and libido are all related to health in the middle-aged and elderly," they added.

The team noted that increased sexual frequency could have a protective effect on general health and quality of life - especially in men - so doctors should support patients' sexual activity.

Dr Mike Knapton from the British Heart Foundation said the study produced an "interesting result" but did not prove regular sex reduced homocysteine levels.

Knapton explained that checking blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as keeping active and not smoking, remain the best ways to ensure a healthy future.

The results published in journal of Sexual Medicine.

-ANI