Viagra and Heart Health: Here Is Everything You Need to Know
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can signal heart or circulatory issues. ED drugs like Viagra improve blood flow and may protect against heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular problems.
Viagra, containing sildenafil citrate, is safe when used correctly and is available in generic variants, too. While it directly affects the cardiovascular system by relaxing artery muscles and causing vasodilation, it does not cause heart attacks.
Improper use or combining Viagra with medications like nitrates can lead to blood pressure issues and increase the risk of Viagra's side effects. Always consult a doctor for safe use.
Can Viagra cause heart attacks?
Viagra doesn't cause heart disease or heart attacks. Heart attacks are caused by reduced blood flow due to arteries constricting from cholesterol and fat buildup.
However, taking Viagra with certain medications like nitrates can increase the risk of heart problems. Talk to your doctor to avoid interactions.
Common heart attack symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Discomfort in arms, back, or shoulders
- Weakness
What's the link between heart disease and erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and heart disease are linked, often due to the exact cause: atherosclerosis. This is when arteries narrow from fat and cholesterol buildup, reducing blood flow to the heart and sexual organs, causing ED and cardiovascular problems like angina, heart attacks or strokes.
ED can be an early warning for heart problems, so consulting a doctor is crucial.
Can you develop heart-related problems after taking the Viagra pill?
Studies show Viagra does not increase the risk of heart disease. However, it can cause issues for men with high blood pressure if combined with blood pressure-lowering medications, as its active ingredient, sildenafil, also lowers blood pressure.
Men taking nitrates should avoid Viagra entirely, as combining them can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
Can Viagra offer you any heart-related benefits?
Viagra may offer heart-related benefits, known as cardioprotective effects. Studies suggest it can reduce the risk of heart disease.
By lowering blood pressure, Viagra is also used to treat pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), a type of high blood pressure affecting lung arteries.
Viagra and Heart Medications
Viagra is effective for ED but can interact with heart medications, causing serious issues.
- Nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin) and Viagra dilate blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. Combined, they may dangerously lower blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- People recovering from a heart attack should avoid Viagra, as sexual activity may strain the body, and interactions with heart medications can cause adverse effects.
Who should avoid taking Viagra pills?
Men using nitrates should avoid Viagra. It is also not recommended for those with:
- Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease
- Left ventricular outflow obstruction
- Sickle cell anemia
- Multiple system atrophy
Summary
Viagra is safe for healthy hearts, but men with certain heart conditions should exercise caution. Those with severe heart disorders should avoid Viagra to prevent side effects.
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Use of Viagra can lead to a drop in your blood pressure. However, it's mild and just a little concerning, even if you are already taking high blood pressure medications. But make sure you take Viagra or any other ED pill only when a doctor considers it safe with your other medications. You should avoid using Viagra if you recently had a heart attack or stroke within the last six months and take drugs like nitrates for angina.
The use of Viagra can commonly cause flushing. Due to vasodilation, blood goes into blood vessels more than usual, affecting the heart. A drop in blood pressure can appear, causing an average of 6 points systolic and 4 points diastolic. So, some people using Viagra may experience a heart response by beating a bit more quickly and forcefully.
In a study of men who were able to exercise, using Viagra (sildenafil) did not affect their exercise capacity. The average exercise level was similar whether they took Viagra (4.5 METs) or a placebo (4.6 METs). It's important to note that these men did not take nitrates or stopped using them 72 hours before the exercise test.
ED pills that are safe to use after a heart attack are: Sildenafil(Viagra), Vardenafil(Levitra), Tadalafil(Cialis). Note that use these ED drugs only after discussing with a doctor if you have any heart problems.
