Having chronic heart failure does not necessarily mean sexual activity comes to a full stop for men, according to a new review from U.S. researchers.

A literature review published in this month's issue of the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, analyzed data from patient surveys and clinical trials on chronic heart failure, sexual activity and sexual dysfunction, reports FoxNews.com.

Its authors found that sex is not necessarily dangerous for men with chronic heart failure. They found, for men aged 40 to 65, with or without coronary artery disease, that peak heart rates during sex are similar to walking at a rate of 4 km/h to 5 km/h, climbing stairs or performing household chores such as vacuuming. The same goes for oxygen consumption levels.

The researchers however note in their review that 60 to 70 per cent of men with heart failure suffer from sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction.

Fatigue or depression, medication side effects and the fear of damaging the heart determine many men to diminish their sexual activity or altogether abandon it.

The authors warned that high-risk patients with severe or unstable cardiac disease should bear in mind that sexual activity might be associated with “substantial risk.”

They added that erectile dysfunction in men with mild to moderate chronic heart failure can be treated with Viagra or similar drugs of that class.

Exceptions are men who take nitrates, men with unstable heart failure, patients who are heavily congested or those who visit hospital regularly for treatment to remove fluid from the lungs.

As to the patients who cannot take erectile dysfunction medication, there may yet be a solution: an exercise routine that could help to enhance their sex drives and overall health, according to FoxNews.

For more details, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org.