Blood pressure medication and heart medication often go hand in hand, but they are not always prescriptions made for each other. Some drugs can interact dangerously with other medications, especially if they are related to the same group of compounds, like the “blue pill” or “red pill” in the case of Viagra. Let’s examine the interactions between Viagra and blood pressure medications so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to take the drug with your heart meds.
Blood Pressure Drugs Can Increase The Effects Of Viagra
Blood pressure medications can indeed increase the effects of Viagra. This is due to a variety of causes. For one, a number of medications that increase blood pressure, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, also increase nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a compound that helps mediate the effects of Viagra. It causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing the amount of blood that flows through them and resulting in a heightened sexual response for the person taking Viagra.
Blood pressure medications can also increase the effectiveness of Viagra by preventing its degradation by phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down cGMP, the compound that gives Viagra its effectiveness. By inhibiting PDE5, blood pressure medications increase cGMP levels and the effectiveness of Viagra. This can be dangerous if you’re already taking a heart medication, as the two classes of medications often require different management strategies. Some physicians advise avoiding combinations of the two due to the risk of toxicity. Fortunately, this is not always the case and there are no known interactions between Viagra and blood pressure medications that are actually harmful. However, care should be taken if you’re already undergoing treatment for high blood pressure or heart disease, as combining medications that treat these conditions can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Where Do You Take Your Blood Pressure?
The best place to take your blood pressure is easily found if you know where to look. In a seated position with your arm resting at your side, you should feel a slight bulge just below the collarbone. This is the carotid artery, and the ideal site for placing a blood pressure cuff. When you are taking your blood pressure, place the cuff around your neck and listen to the sound of the systolic and diastolic pressures beeping out a number. There is also a practical reason for taking your blood pressure in this way; when you take it in the arm, there is a risk of the muscle in the arm becoming too tired to maintain an accurate reading.
What About Diuretics?
Blood pressure medications often come with a warning about using them with certain medications or supplements, especially diuretics. Diuretics are a class of medications that increase the amount of urine produced by the body. They are often prescribed for people with heart failure or kidney disease. Diuretics increase the blood pressure in the extremities, causing swelling, which can make it more difficult for the person taking them to detect an abnormality with their blood pressure cuff.
There is actually some evidence that diuretics increase the risk of sexual dysfunction in men and women. Additionally, there is some evidence that they increase the risk of peripheral edema, a situation where the arms become significantly heavier than the legs. These are generally considered to be adverse effects of diuretics. However, there are no known negative interactions between Viagra and diuretics. On the contrary, there are some data to suggest that diuretics can help increase the effectiveness of Viagra by increasing the amount of urine produced by the body. This can cause the pill to absorb more quickly into the blood stream, increasing its effectiveness.
When Do You Take Your Blood Pressure?
Another important factor to consider when taking your blood pressure is the time of day. Your blood pressure is likely to be at its lowest in the morning, reaching its highest just before bedtime. There is generally no need to hurry to take your blood pressure at specific times, but it’s best to avoid taking it when you feel particularly tired or stressed, as this may alter the results of the test. When you are taking your blood pressure, avoid eating or drinking anything beyond what is necessary for 15 minutes prior to the test. This will ensure that your stomach is empty and the medication has had the opportunity to diffuse into the blood stream.
Do You Need A Doctor’s Help?
Taking blood pressure on your own is easy and often times quite effective. If you feel that there is an error in the results of your test or if your blood pressure is still elevated even after you have followed the above guidelines, then you should consult with your doctor for further instructions. Do not be afraid to ask questions about the procedure or potential interactions between the medication and your heart or blood pressure medication.
As long as you are not suffering from an adverse reaction to either drug, then there is no reason to be concerned about interactions that may occur. In most cases, these interactions are not serious and resolve themselves after the individual taking the medication has been administered the correct dose for a few months. In some instances, however, taking certain medications together may prove fatal. A good doctor will be able to guide you through a trial-and-error period, until you find the right combination that works best for your heart and blood vessels.