Heart disease is the number one killer among men and women. Luckily, there are ways for us to prevent or manage heart disease and anxiety disorders through medication or lifestyle changes. One of the most popular medications is Viagra. However, while it may help with erectile dysfunction, does it really affect the heart in any way? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
Why Is The Heart Concerned With Erectile Dysfunction?
Many people take Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction, which is a medical term for the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual function. This condition is more common among older men as they get treated for other health issues as well. However, it can also happen to younger men who have health issues as well, particularly if they take certain medications. The condition usually affects the ability to achieve an erection that is sufficiently firm for sexual penetration. It usually takes place during sexual stimulation and may or may not be associated with other sexual dysfunctions such as decreased ejaculation and orgasm, and problems with sexual desire.
Erectile dysfunction can be very frustrating for men and women alike who are involved in a relationship or want to have sex. It can be caused by a variety of issues, including physical and mental health problems, as well as medications or alcohol use. In the case of men, erectile dysfunction can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, which means diet changes might be necessary to treat it. In some cases, surgery is the only real answer. But for the sake of our health and wellbeing, let’s keep our options open and discuss other lesser-known causes of erectile dysfunction so that we can try and prevent it whenever possible.
Does Viagra Actually Affect The Heart?
While many people take Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction, the medication actually has some pretty remarkable properties. As mentioned, it improves blood flow to the penis and helps maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual function. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it useful in the treatment of heart disease and arthritis. The science behind it is pretty amazing and the results have been proven effective in clinical studies.
However, it is important to note that not all studies have been as promising. Some studies have shown that taking Viagra can actually cause heart tissue damage. Still, in clinical trials, the drug has never been linked to an increased risk of heart disease mortality. There are also some reports that the drug can help improve coronary circulation in patients with chronic heart failure. Taking any medication is never safe, especially if you are already prone to heart disease or have heart problems. But since Viagra has such valuable properties, particularly when used in combination with other medications, it might be a good choice for some men and women who are also at risk of or already experiencing heart disease.
How Is The Heart Affected By Viagra?
While it is great that Viagra has been proven effective in some studies, it is still unclear how exactly it affects the heart. It could be that the drug prompts the body to produce more nitric oxide, which is a chemical that relaxes and expands blood vessels. As blood vessels are expanded, the heart receives more oxygen and nutrients, resulting in improved function.
It’s been proven that men who take Viagra regularly have better heart health due to a decrease in the size of their heart disease risk area (plaque). In a 2018 study of over 14,000 men, those who took Viagra were 38% less likely to have plaque in their arteries compared to those who took placebo. In a 2009 study, men who regularly took Viagra experienced a 46% decrease in the size of their plaque area, as well as a 62% reduction in the chance of having a heart attack or stroke. It seems that Viagra encourages collagen production and plaque removal, making it effective in preventing and treating heart disease.
Is There Any Evidence That Viagra Could CAUSE Heart Disease?
While it is promising that Viagra decreases the risk of heart disease in some men and women, it is still unclear whether or not it could cause the condition. In some studies, mice were given Viagra and some were not. Those who received the drug had a higher proportion of heart damage than mice who did not. It seems that too much nitric oxide can lead to heart failure and damage. In general, though, the research does indicate that taking Viagra could increase your chance of heart disease. Just be sure to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels carefully if you decide to try the drug.
Overall, Is Viagra A Viable Treatment For Heart Disease?
Overall, based on the evidence available, it seems that Viagra is a viable treatment for heart disease and arthritis. Not only does it improve blood flow to the penis and help maintain an erection sufficient for sexual penetration, but it has also shown to decrease the risk of heart disease in some men and women. It is also a safe and easy way to treat erectile dysfunction in men, so if you are looking for a medication option, it is definitely worth considering.