It’s a common question: Can Viagra cause a heart attack? And the answer might not be what you think.
While the drug is known for its ability to treat erectile dysfunction, many people are not aware of the potential side effects. In fact, Viagra is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the country. And as a result, many men, especially those with heart disease, are questioning whether or not to take the drug.
Here’s the truth. Yes, Viagra can cause a heart attack. But it depends on what you mean by “heart attack.”
The most common type of heart attack, called a syndrome X coronary event, is caused by a clot that obstructs some of the blood vessels in the heart. This blood clotting can lead to chest pain or discomfort, arm pain, shortness of breath, or even heart failure. Because of this, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classify a syndrome X coronary event as a “cardiac event.”
If you have a history of heart disease, use of tobacco products, or take medications that lower blood pressure, you’re at a heightened risk of developing a clot that will lead to a heart attack. If you experience chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or arm pain, you might be experiencing a heart attack. In this case, you need to seek medical help right away.
So, what is Viagra?
Viagra, also known as sildenafil, is a drug that enhances blood flow to the penis and helps improve erectile dysfunction. It was originally approved in 1998 (as Viagra) for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. However, it’s increasingly being prescribed to men for other medical conditions as well.
The main active ingredients in Viagra are sildenafil and vardenafil. Together, they work by enhancing the blood flow to the penile tissue so that a man can achieve and maintain an erection. Because of this, Viagra is sometimes referred to as a “Viagra pill.”
Viagra has been shown in clinical studies to be effective in treatment of angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). However, the drug has not been approved for use in treatment of heart failure. But it is being used increasingly among doctors for this purpose.
If You Experience Chest Pain, Shortness Of Breath, Or Arm Pain, You’re At An Increased Risk Of A Heart Attack
In 2018, the FDA approved an application from Makena Medical, a nonprofit company, to sell a drug called KUVARA for the treatment of heart failure. The drug is similar to Viagra, and it also acts by enhancing blood flow to the penis and helping men with erectile dysfunction. However, unlike Viagra, KUVARA is approved by the FDA to treat heart failure. So if you’re taking it for erectile dysfunction and experience any chest pain, shortness of breath, or arm pain, you might want to stop taking it and consult with your doctor.
In a study involving nearly 2,400 patients, KUVARA was shown to be effective in reducing the risk of death from heart failure. In this study, patients who took KUVARA had a 25% reduction in the risk of death compared to men who took a placebo. (The study did not include women because they were not allowed to participate in Phase 3 clinical trials.)
So, if you experience any of these symptoms, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor. They might be able to help you determine if this drug is right for you.
What About Side Effects?
While there are several medications that can cause a heart attack, none of them have been shown to be as safe as Viagra. One of the reasons why many people are turning to Viagra for treatment of ED and for possible use in prevention of heart disease is because of the drug’s rare but very manageable side effects. Specifically, Viagra has been shown in studies to be effective and safe in treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and has also been proven effective in treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Because of this, many physicians are now including it in their treatment plans for heart disease patients, especially those with PAH.
The most common side effect associated with Viagra is headache. In some cases, this can be severe and lead to a stroke. The drug can also cause other unwanted effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and photophobia – sensitivity to light. In rare instances, it has been known to cause a man to become impotent. But for the most part, these are extremely rare and mild side effects. In fact, when used properly, most or all of these side effects can be avoided.
Can These Side Effects Be Prevented?
While all of these side effects are relatively rare, they are not acceptable. And because of this, physicians are trying to find a way to prevent them. One way might be through proper use of the drug. For instance, if you take Viagra before you eat a large meal, this could help reduce the risk of some of the digestive issues that the drug can cause. It might also help prevent some of its headaches if you take it regularly.
Some physicians suggest that men with heart disease who take Viagra should not have alcohol while they are on the drug. They also recommend that men with heart disease or taking other medications should ask their doctors about the safest way for them to take Viagra.
If you experience any of these side effects, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor. They might be able to help you determine if this drug is right for you.