More Support For the Use of Viagra Among Men With Heart Disease

And now the good news ... a recent study supports earlier research findings indicating that the impotence drug Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) is safe for men with heart disease if they can exercise without having heart problems. 

Male erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is a common problem for millions of men. Many have found success with the drug Viagra, however, there has been concern whether the medication is safe for those with heart problems. 

Viagra Not For Men Who Take Nitrate-Based Medications

The use of Viagra with heart medications containing nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, can be deadly because the drug combination can drop blood pressure to dangerously low levels. However, for men who do not rely on nitrates for managing their heart condition, there still remained the question of whether Viagra might be safe for them and if it might make any underlying heart problem worse. 

The Viagra Study

The study involved 105 men who suffered from erectile dysfunction and known or highly suspected coronary artery disease. 

The participants were given either Viagra or a placebo one hour before undergoing exercise tests. The medications were then switched with the participants once again undergoing the exercise tests. 

The researchers found that Viagra did not make the heart work any harder during the exercise tests nor did it change the resting heart rate. 

Each Patient Is Different

However, the researchers recommend that patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease and erectile dysfunction first have an individualized assessment of their condition from their physician before taking Viagra. 

Men who rely on nitrate-based medication to manage their heart condition should not take Viagra. 

The study was published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Always consult your physician for more information.

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