Sudden deaths during sex are rare, but they are far from being an exclusive concern for the elderly. About 0.6% of all people who die suddenly were having sex, and this can also happen at a young age.
Although cases of older people who died during sex are commonly reported, such as the father of actor Matthew McConaughey, who lost his life during sexual intercourse in 1992, fatalities can happen at any age – the risk factors involve cardiac malformations and drug use.
The average age of people who died during sex found in a 2021 study was 38 years old. The analysis gathered data from 17 cases related to deaths of this nature registered in a UK hospital between 1994 and 2020: 11 men and 6 women. Only four of them had a previous history of heart disease.
What kills people during sex?
More than half of the individuals analyzed in the study lost their lives because of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), which occurs when there is a sudden cardiac arrest for no apparent reason. There is evidence that connects death to subtle genetically transmitted cardiac changes.
In an article published on the scientific dissemination website The Conversation regarding the history of research on the topic, chemical pathologist David Gaze highlighted that, in general, these cases are the result of a combination of physical exertion and drugs (legal or illicit).
“In general, people are victims of sexual activity in conjunction with medications, especially those to treat erectile dysfunction and/or illegal drugs, such as cocaine”, points out the pathologist.
Both products and physical activity have in common the fact that they increase cardiac flow, which can trigger pre-existing coronary conditions or lead to the movement of clots to the heart.
Sex is one of the pillars for a healthy life, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)
Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images
Sex
An active and healthy sex life has a direct impact on well-being
RealPeopleGroup/Getty Images
Sex
It is possible to maintain active and healthy sexuality until old age
Larry Williams/Getty Images
Sex food food helps hinder
Diet also plays a role in having a good sexual routine.
Getty Images
To go back
To progress
0
Partners rarely help the victim
In a similar study presented at an American Heart Association conference in 2017, researchers described the case of 32 men and two women who died suddenly during sex. In only a third of cases, the victims’ partners tried to give them heart massage to revive them.
In none of the studies analyzed by the researcher did the average age of sudden death exceed 59 years. “Even though the risk is low even for people with cardiomyopathies, the most advisable thing is not to wait to consult a cardiologist in cases of sudden death in the family”, advises the doctor.
Follow the Health editor on Instagram and stay up to date with everything on the subject!
Have you read all the Health notes and reports today? Click here.
