Monday, September 12, 2011

#AskDrKK:What physiological changes occur during orgasm?

#DrKKAnswers:
In volunteers (1,2)
1. Peak heart rate reaches 140-180 beats per minute
2. The mean increase in blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg
3. Respiratory rates and tidal volumes increases to values seen in moderately severe physical exertion
4. The exertion is enough stable angina patients to develop chest discomfort during or immediately after sexual act.
In real life partners the hemodynamic changes are (3,4)
1. Mean heart rate at the time of orgasm is 117 beats per minute (mean heart rate during normal daily activities is 120 beats per minute).
2. The mean estimated blood pressure is 162/89 mmHg.

References
1. Masters, WH, Johnson, VE. Human sexual response, Little, Brown, and Co, Boston 1966.
2. J Appl Physiol 1956; 9:469.
3. Arch Intern Med 1970; 125:987.
4. Am Heart J 1976; 92:274.

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