Sex good for men's hearts

Having frequent sex may almost halve a man's risk of heart disease, according to a study of more than 1 000 men who were followed for 16 years.

Men who had sex at least twice a week were up to 45% less likely to develop life-threatening heart problems than those who had sex once a month or less, reported the Daily Telegraph in England.

The study, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, did not examine how sexual activity affected women's heart health.

The team at the New England Research Institute in Massachusetts said men may gain both physical and emotional benefits from regular sexual activity. In some forms, sex offers a physical activity component that may protect heart health.

The researchers also said men who have sex on a regular basis may be more likely to be in a supportive intimate relationship, which can offer health benefits through stress reduction and social support, the Daily Telegraph reported. - (HealthDay News, January 2010)