Women in happy marriages are much less likely to have a heart attack
than those in high-stress relationships, research at the University of
Pittsburgh, in the US, found.
And men who have sex two or more times a week halve their risk of a
cardiac arrest, a study at Bristol University found.
Hugs lower your blood pressure while making love is a great cardiac
workout .
It temporarily raises blood pressure and gives the arteries and veins a
workout, keeping them strong and flexible.
Cathy Ross, a specialist nurse with the British Heart Foundation, says:
"Sex can provide the same benefits as walking up several flights of stairs."
And it's a lot more fun which means we're more likely to stick with the
exercise regime.
We burn on average 200 calories when we have sex. But trying out
different positions can increase the burn and fun.
HUGS also help. Doctors at the University of North Carolina, in
America, found cuddles can lower blood pressure and boost levels of the
relaxing feelgood hormone oxytocin.
Kissing is also recommended for gums and teeth because it increases
production of saliva, which helps kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay
and gum disease.
In the long term this can even help to head off a heart attack because
gum disease can increase the risk of heart attacks.
