You know the (film) scene.

Man enthusiastically makes love before keeling over post-coital from a heart attack. It happened to Mad Men’s advertising boss Roger Sterling and even Downton Abbey’s Lady Mary (whose lovemaking was so explosive, her partner’s ticker gave up).

However, although it’s a reoccurring plot we’re all familiar with - the idea can knock mens' confidence in the bedroom, a recent study has suggested.

sex

A recent study noted that nearly half of male heart attack patients leave hospital unsure as to whether sex is safe - which results in a sharp decline in their sex lives.

However, heart health experts assure us that sex after a heart attack is safe.

ALSO READ: Heart Attack Symptoms You're Likely To Ignore...

“Often, after a heart attack people become much healthier than they've been for years," explains Dr Mike Knapton from the British Heart Foundation.

"They give up smoking, eat much more wisely and take exercise. Returning to a full and active sex life for someone who is feeling well is very much part of the normal recovery process.”

WATCH Famous Post-Coital Heart Attack Scenes (Please note explicit nature of content)

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  • Mad Men

  • Downton Abbey

  • Six Feet Under

  • Something's Gotta Give

According to mature dating website Ffifty.com, clients admit that health worries can add to the emotional strain of starting a new relationship later in life and make sex seem quite daunting.

"Starting a new relationship second time around can be an intimidating prospect as it is, so taking things to the next level in terms of intimacy and sex can throw up further feelings of anxiety," Christine Webber, a psychologist from the website told HuffPost Lifestyle.

"The chances of having a heart attack during sex are very small and should not put people off embracing a new and thrilling period in their life."

Negotiating your way round the bedroom can be rather challenging for those who are somewhat 'out of practice'.

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These helpful tips, on how to initiate and enjoy great sex (while keeping your heart healthy) could be life savers!

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not just a problem for young people, so make sure you take the necessary precautions.

  • Choose proper and effective lubricants - to help things along a little. Try and ensure lubricants are natural if possible as the ingredients are less likely to cause irritation or side effects.

  • Spare enough time for foreplay and stimulating acts, touching, kissing and massaging intimate parts shall be given more importance to increase pleasure.

  • Keep mind and body fresh. Walking, meditation and breathing exercises are very useful in keeping heart, respiratory system and digestion healthy to maintain physical and mental health.

  • Relax: the more you tense up the less likely it is things will run smoothly.

Don't just take our word for it...

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  • Health Benefits Of Sex

    Besides being fun and pleasurable, sex also offers many health boosts many of us take for granted. Take a look at these surprise benefits of having regular sex...

  • Sex... Wards Off Illness

    According to research from <a href="http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/1.asp" target="_hplink">Wilkes University</a>, making love twice a week releases an antibody called immunoglobulin A or IgA, which helps protect the body from infections and illnesses. Other research suggests that frequent ejaculations in men reduces the risk of prostate cancer later in life. According to the <em><a href="http://www.bjui.org/default.aspx" target="_hplink">British Journal of Urology International</a></em>, men who ejaculate five or more times a week, had a lower risk of prostate cancer.

  • Sex... Burns Off Calories

    It doesn't take an expert to connect an energetic love making session with burning calories. Just thirty minutes of action under the sheets burns off around 85 calories. After 42 half-hour sessions, you could burn 3,570 calories, which is the equivalent of 1lb in weight. By having sex three times a week for a year, you could burn off the equivalent of 5lbs a year. Who needs a diet?!

  • Sex... Relieves Pain

    During sex, a hormone called oxytocin is released when the body climaxes, which increases the level of endorphins that acts like natural a pain relief. This causes the body to relax. Many notice their aches and pains, like swelling, inflammation, headaches and menstrual cramps, disappear after sex and gradually improve with regular action.

  • Sex... Helps Beat Depression

    Women who have regular orgasms are generally more relaxed, less depressed and mentally, physically and emotionally satisfied. Regular sex also helps the body sleep better as it relieves tension plus it helps the brain produce serotonin - the chemical that gives the body a 'mood' lift and is commonly found in antidepressants.

  • Sex.. Keeps You Young

    Regular sex releases a surge of plethora chemicals into the body, also known as the 'happy hormones', and they contain testosterone. As we age, the level of testosterone decreases, so the more sex you have, the more your hormone levels increases. This surge of hormone help keep bones and muscles healthy - plus it keeps skin looking plump and youthful. In women, regular sex also helps keep the pelvic floor muscles healthy, which decreases the chances of not-so-sexy incontinence later in life.