New guidance says heart doctors should talk sex with their patients to let them know intimacy is often possible after a heart attack.

The advice is in a consensus statement released by the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology.

The recommendations say doctors should bring up the topic early and often, to let survivors know sex is often OK after a heart attack, stroke or other cardiac condition.

The advice is billed as the first scientific statement with detailed guidance on resuming sex after a heart problem. (The Associated Press)