Many people confuse the effects of Viagra with those of other ED drugs. But while all of these medications may increase blood pressure (BP) in some patients, it’s not necessarily the case. In fact, one clinical study suggested that Viagra may lower BP in users.
Here’s a closer look at the effects of Viagra on blood pressure (BP) and whether or not you should be concerned about taking the drug.
Does Viagra Raise Blood Pressure?
The short answer is no, it does not raise blood pressure (BP) in most cases. Based on research conducted by the FDA, the popular drug does not appear to increase the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) in patients who take it for erectile dysfunction (ED).
Though it’s not known whether or not Viagra causes hypertension, there is some evidence that it may lower BP in certain patients. One study suggested that men who took Viagra for erectile dysfunction had average systolic blood pressure (the top number) reductions of 4.8 to 9.6 mmHg and average diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) reductions of 3.6 to 9.7 mmHg compared to men who took a placebo (a dummy pill). Another study also suggested that ED treatment with Viagra may lead to reduced blood pressure as well as improved vascular function and endothelial function (the body’s smallest blood vessels).
While these studies are promising, they’re certainly not conclusive. And in any case, they only show that Viagra may lower BP in some patients. More research is needed to confirm these findings, particularly long-term studies. Furthermore, because these studies did not examine whether or not Viagra causes heart attacks or strokes (which are two of the drug’s more serious side effects), it’s still unknown whether or not taking this medication is actually dangerous.
Should You Be Concerned About Viagra’s Effect On Blood Pressure?
Based on current evidence, it’s not known whether or not Viagra raises blood pressure (BP) in most cases. However, there is some indication that it may lower BP in certain patients. If you fit the bill, then you should be concerned about the effects that the drug may have on your blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure (elevated BP) may increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes (among other risks). So if you’re already at a high risk of these conditions, then you may want to avoid taking this medication altogether.
If you’re not at a high risk of heart attacks and strokes, then you should not be overly concerned about Viagra’s potential to raise your blood pressure. Nevertheless, since most medications can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) in some patients, it’s always a good idea to monitor your blood pressure while taking any medication, including Viagra. This way, you can catch any problems early on and take remedial action before it’s too late.
Many people confuse the effects of Viagra with those of other ED drugs. But while all of these medications may increase blood pressure (BP) in some patients, it’s not necessarily the case. In fact, one clinical study suggested that Viagra may lower BP in users.
Here’s a closer look at the effects of Viagra on blood pressure (BP) and whether or not you should be concerned about taking the drug.