Regular sex can cut blood pressure and lowers stroke risk ‘as effectively as drugs’
The study showed that masturbation did not have the same effect and the intensity of the orgasm was a factor in how much lower the blood pressure readings were
REGULAR sex can cut blood pressure as effectively as medicines, a study claims.
Having an orgasm slashed volunteers’ readings by up to 13 per cent the next day.
And the drop proved equal to taking a water pill — a standard treatment.
The US scientists also reported: “The more pleasurable the orgasm, the lower the readings on the day after intercourse.”
They believe sex works by boosting the cuddle hormone oxytocin that can reduce stress.
But the Georgia State University team warned that masturbation did not have the same effect.
AID TO BLOOD FLOW
The study in journal Sexual Medicine saw volunteers have sex while wearing a heart monitor that tracked the length of performance and calories burned.
They were also quizzed about orgasm intensity, rating it from 66 to 106, with an average of 87.
The bonkers had an average systolic blood pressure of 115mmHg at the start of the tests. After sex it fell by up to 17mmHg.
Participants spent 13 minutes having sex, burning 190 calories.
The British Heart Foundation’s Jeremy Pearson said: “Inactivity raises risk of heart disease and contributes to one in six deaths.”
Some 12million Brits are on blood pressure drugs.
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