Viagra-Like Drugs for Heart Attack: Could They Reverse Cardiovascular Events?

Viagra is a very popular drug with those who suffer from erection problems. Numerous research papers prove that Viagra is a powerful remedy for combatting erectile dysfunction. But the capabilities of the drug are not limited to this function. It can be also a great option for treating various diseases, in particular, heart failure, which is a very dangerous condition.

Viagra-Like Drugs and Heart Failure Treatment

Scientists have recently revealed that drugs, usually taken in case of problems with erection, are also effectual for treatment and prevention of heart failure. Among them is Viagra-like drug tadalafil. People, who face this heart disease, have a poor heart muscle, which fails to pump blood properly. Consequently, organs and tissues don’t get enough oxygen to maintain vital functions. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 6 million of American adults are diagnosed this condition. Half of them live fewer than 5 years after learning the doctor’s verdict.

Prof. Trafford together with his team conducted a study, aimed at revealing the properties of tadalafil. This drug belongs to the same category as Viagra (brand name of sildenafil) and is marketed as Cialis. The experiment was made on sheep, which were given tadalafil for removing symptoms of heart failure. Humans usually take tadalafil to escape from problems with erection. The 3 week research showed the significant improvement of the state of animals’ hearts. This drug contributed to the enhancement of the contraction of the heart as well as restoration of the organ’s reaction to the hormone, called epinephrine. Poor response to it leads to the heart failure. Professor claims, that the effect, experienced by the animals, will be the same in people. He adds that individuals, who take tadalafil for treating bad erection, unwittingly help their heart to opposite negative impact of ageing, bad habits and unfavorable conditions.

Another remedy, which is also probably good in dealing with heart conditions, is Viagra (sildenafil). It’s a revolutionary product, which helped millions of males to combat sexual dysfunction. Like tadalafil Viagra only theoretically can be beneficial for treating heart failure. As there is no clear scientific research in this respect further studies are required.

The main question is whether it’s safe to take Viagra if the patient has heart disease.

Some doctors insist that Viagra shouldn’t be taken by individuals with heart disease of certain type. It can cause dangerous outcomes.

You might be interested in: Diabetes and Heart Disease – Is There an Interconnection?

Side Effects of Viagra and ED Treatment

There are certain side effects of sildenafil. Firstly, it can potentially minimize the pressure of the blood. Secondly, the interaction with nitrates is observed. Being a vasodilator, which dilates vessels, sildenafil puts down systolic pressure of the blood. Such vasodilating influence is hazardous in combination with the nitrates’ vasodilating effect. Nitrates are commonly prescribed to patients, who have problems with coronary artery. Those, who simultaneously take these two drugs, are at risk of getting strong hypotension and syncope. Therefore, sildenafil is prohibited to be taken together with nitrates (nitroglycerine such as Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur patches, etc.).

On the other hand, sildenafil is tolerated quite well in males, suffering from coronary artery condition, if they don’t have severe ischemia and don’t take nitrates.

As sildenafil may contribute to the blood pressure drop, it may be dangerous for individuals with constant hypotension.

*Consulting with a licensed healthcare professional in your own country is always recommended before considering purchasing medications online.