Many healthcare providers are now suggesting that Men who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, need to take care of their sexual health, especially considering the drug Viagra. Studies show that CABG surgery increases your risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) later in life. For this reason, many doctors are encouraging patients who have undergone this type of surgery to take Viagra or similar drugs to lower their blood pressure.
Is It Safe to Take Viagra After CABG Surgery?
Although there are no verified cases of acute heart failure or death resulting from the use of Viagra or similar drugs after CABG surgery, there are still some risks that need to be considered. One of the more serious side effects of Viagra and similar drugs is acute hypotension or low blood pressure. In rare cases, this condition can be fatal. Doctors generally recommend that patients who have undergone CABG surgery pause for a few days before starting any type of antihypertensive therapy, including prescription drugs like Viagra.
Is It Effective to Take Viagra After CABG Surgery?
To answer this question, we need to discuss what is known as the time-of-day effect on blood pressure. The time-of-day effect tells us that blood pressure is generally higher in the morning and lower in the evening. The reason behind this is that during sleep, your body’s hormone levels change and the effects of certain drugs (such as Viagra) are heightened. So, if you start taking Viagra after midnight, you may experience a more significant drop in blood pressure than usual.
Some studies have shown that if you stop taking Viagra after just one day, the benefits will still be present. So, while the risks are still present, taking Viagra after CABG surgery may be beneficial, as your body will still be able to reap the rewards of the drug. But, for maximum benefits, doctors generally recommend that patients who have undergone this type of surgery take the drug for at least one month.
Should You Be Concerned About the Drug’s Side Effects?
Some individuals who have undergone CABG surgery may experience some of the side effects of Viagra or similar drugs, such as headache, flushing, and stuffy nose. Additionally, there is also a rare but possible side effect called priapism, which is the presence of persistent, painful erections that last several hours and need medical attention. However, these are all relatively rare occurrences and are generally mild. Nevertheless, if you are already experiencing problems with your sexual health, or any type of problems at all, then it might be a good idea to consult your doctor about alternative treatments.
Conclusion
Although there are still some doctors who are not in favor of the use of Viagra or similar drugs after CABG surgery, the vast majority of healthcare providers now agree that the drug may be safe and effective, especially considering the time-of-day effect on blood pressure and the increased risk of hypertension after this type of surgery. So, if you are thinking about starting any type of antihypertensive therapy, including prescription drugs like Viagra, then CABG surgery may be a good option for you.