Despite what you may have read on the Internet, Viagra, Cialis, and similar medications do not cause heart attacks!
During the early clinical trials for Viagra (sildenafil), there were some claims that it increased the risk of heart attacks. However, extensive trials, and decades of use, have shown these claims to be unfounded1 2 3.
In fact, Viagra was originally developed by Pfizer for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina pectoris (chest pain due to heart disease). But during the clinical trials, researchers discovered that the drug was more effective at inducing erections than treating angina.
Recent studies have found that Viagra and similar drugs can actually reduce the risk of heart attack4.
Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil) belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They work by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) and, in turn, increasing the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the body. This mechanism allows blood vessels to relax and dilate, promoting increased blood flow to the penis, leading to an erection. However, this also causes blood pressure to drop, which may be a concern for heart patients in some cases, especially men who are already taking drugs to reduce their blood pressure.
PDE5 inhibitors can also be dangerous for men who are taking medications containing nitrates.
That’s one of the main reasons that PDE5 inhibitors require a prescription. Although the drugs themselves are very safe when taken as directed, they may interact with other medications the patient is taking. Doctors check for interactions before prescribing ED medications.
Related Reading
- Oral Medications for Erectile Dysfunction: Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra Compared
- Patient Suffers Retinal Damage After Sildenafil Citrate Overdose
- Patient Experiences Red Vision After Sildenafil Citrate Overdose
- Where to Buy ED Medications
References
- Kloner, R A. “Cardiovascular risk and sildenafil.” American Journal of Cardiology. July 20, 2000;86(2A):57F-61F.
<https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10899281/> - Cheitlin, Melvin D; et al. “Use of Sildenafil (Viagra) in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease.” Circulation. Jan 12, 1999; 99:168–177.
<https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.CIR.99.1.168> - Brindis, Ralph G; Kloner, Robert A. “Sildenafil in patients with cardiovascular disease.” American Journal of Cardiology. Nov 6, 2003; vol 92 #6, 26-36.
<https://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149(02)03368-4/fulltext> - Kloner, Robert A ; Stanek, Eric ; D, Pharm; Crowe, Christopher L; Singhal, Mukul; Pepe, Rebecca S; Bradsher, Julia; Rosen, Raymond C. “Effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors on major adverse cardiovascular events and overall mortality in a large nationwide cohort of men with erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular risk factors: A retrospective, observational study based on healthcare claims and national death index data.” The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Jan 2023; vol 20 #1, pp 38-48. <https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article/20/1/38/6986842>