Physical activity and sexual function after myocardial infarction: a cross-sectional survey from Turkiye

Abstract Background Post-myocardial infarction (MI) recovery encompasses both physical activity and sexual health, yet these domains are often overlooked during routine follow-up, particularly in culturally conservative societies. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the levels of physical activity and sexual function in patients after MI in Turkey, assess the quality of lifestyle counseling at discharge, and identify factors influencing the successful resumption of these activities. Methods In this cross-sectional survey, 204 patients with a history of MI attending follow-up at three tertiary hospitals between November 2024 and May 2025 were enrolled. Participants completed validated questionnaires on physical activity, sexual function, medication adherence, psychological concerns, and counseling experiences. Clinical data, including left ventricular ejection fraction and treatment modalities, were also recorded. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and correlation testing. Results The median age was 57 years; 85.3% of participants were male. Only 46.1% reported receiving comprehensive counseling at discharge. The median time to resume sexual activity was 34 days, with 43.1% reporting infrequent sexual encounters (≤3 times/month). Erectile dysfunction affected 29.3% of men. Physical activity levels declined post-MI in 46.6% of patients (Table-1), despite a median walking time of 55 minutes per day. Physician-initiated discussions on sexual health were reported by only 7.4%. Counseling quality correlated positively with earlier sexual resumption and improved exercise tolerance (Table-2). Conclusions There is a substantial gap between clinical guidelines and real-world practice in addressing physical activity and sexual function after MI in Turkey. Culturally sensitive rehabilitation programs and structured counseling are urgently needed.For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text. For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.