Viagra is the world’s best-selling drug. It’s been on the market for more than 20 years and is frequently prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). But did you know that this popular drug also raises your blood pressure? How does it do this? Let’s take a quick look.
The Anatomy Of A Medicine
Most drugs work by either relaxing your muscles (to allow blood to flow into your penile area) or by preventing certain substances from being released by your body (to treat an imbalance in your body’s chemistry). Take a look at the anatomy of a medication you’re probably familiar with: aspirin.
Aspirin is an NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It works by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), which is critical for the formation of prostaglandins (eicosanoids). Prostaglandins play an important role in maintaining blood pressure at a healthy level. When blood pressure is high, the risk of heart disease and stroke is increased. So by reducing prostaglandins with aspirin, we can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s a classic anti-inflammatory/pain medication and is extremely safe even when taken in massive amounts.
Why Does Viagra Increase Your Blood Pressure?
If you take aspirin occasionally for cardiovascular health, you won’t have any problems with your blood pressure. But if you take Viagra frequently or on a regular basis, it will increase your risk of high blood pressure. Why? Well, it does this by inhibiting the enzyme COX-1 and preventing prostaglandins from being formed. This reduces the body’s natural protection against increased blood pressure and the subsequent risk of heart disease and stroke. In the short term, this may also cause your blood pressure to go up.
But it’s important to realize that there may be other, more dangerous side effects that you need to be aware of. Take high blood pressure medications or supplements regularly (especially if you’re already taking them for other health conditions), and you may develop kidney damage or problems. So it’s important to ask your doctor about the long-term effects of this drug before you start using it regularly. He may be able to recommend another medication or treatment alternative that’s safer for your cardiovascular system.
Is There A Risk With Chronic Use Of Viagra?
When you take certain prescription medications, there is always the risk of serious side effects. The same is true with some over-the-counter medications and supplements. But is there more risk with Viagra than other medications?
It’s important to acknowledge that while there’s no question that taking Viagra regularly can cause high blood pressure, there’s also no proof that it’s more dangerous than other drugs. It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any drugs or supplements, especially if you are already taking them for another medical condition. He may be able to recommend another medication or treatment alternative that’s safer for your cardiovascular system.
If you have hypertension (high blood pressure) and are also taking aspirin or any other NSAIDs, you should probably avoid taking Viagra. Why? Because there’s no advantage to be gained from increasing your blood pressure when you’re already trying to keep it at healthy levels. Plus, there’s the risk of serious side effects that you need to be aware of.