After a heart attack, many people are afraid to resume their sex life. They're afraid it could kill them. A word of encouragement from their doctors can make all the difference.

Less than half of the people in a study said that their doctor gave them any direction at all concerning the safety of becoming sexually active after a heart attack. Those who did hear from their doctors on the matter were more likely to become sexually active again. Those whose doctors did not bring up the subject with them were less likely to resume their sex lives.

"A heart attack should not keep people from enjoying sex, said Dr. Edward Havranek, a cardiologist at Denver Health Medical Center and leader of the Heart Association conference.

"Depression and mood swings are common after a heart attack and can dampen interest in sex, but this usually goes away within three months, says advice from the Heart Association."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100521/ap_on_he_me/us_med_sex_heart_attacks