Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood as it travels through the arteries. It is the result of multiple factors such as age, weight, gender, and genetics. It is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and refers to the top number in a blood pressure reading. High blood pressure (hypertension) is when the blood pressure is greater than 140/90 mmHg. Studies have shown that high blood pressure is directly related to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, high blood pressure can cause kidney damage, heart damage, and vision problems.
Just like any other drug, there are both good and bad effects from taking Viagra. On the one hand, taking Viagra can help improve your blood pressure significantly. On the other, it can cause dangerous side effects. Let’s explore how Viagra affects your blood pressure so you can decide whether or not it’s a drug you want to try.
How Does Viagra Affect Your Blood Pressure?
Viagra is a drug that facilitates the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. NO is a substance that helps keep your blood vessels relaxed and encourages vasodilation, allowing more blood to flow through and lower your blood pressure.
When you take Viagra, it will help your body to produce more nitric oxide. This, in turn, will help lower your blood pressure.
In a clinical trial, Viagra showed promise in treating high blood pressure when used in conjunction with a low-sodium diet and exercise. The drug significantly reduced blood pressure when compared to a placebo, as well as when used in combination with either diet or exercise alone. What this means is that with Viagra, you don’t necessarily need to do anything else to lower your blood pressure. However, it’s still recommended that you speak with your physician about available treatments for high blood pressure.
What Are The Risks Associated With Viagra?
While there are multiple studies that show Viagra can be an effective treatment for high blood pressure, there are also risks associated with the use of Viagra. Some of these risks are quite serious and need to be considered before taking the drug. Keep in mind, however, that it’s still not known what the long-term implications of using Viagra will be.
One of the more serious risks associated with using Viagra is the potential for drug interactions. Because of the way Viagra works, it is often prescribed for people with other health problems such as heart disease or diabetes. This is where the risk for drug interactions comes in. Since the vast majority of prescriptions for Viagra are still written for people with high blood pressure, it’s natural for doctors to assume that the patient will have other health problems as well. As a result, they may suggest other medications or treatments for the patient along with Viagra.
Additionally, since Viagra is often prescribed for older adults, there is also the risk of unwanted effects arising from long-term use. As people age, their bodies begin to slow down the production of nitric oxide. As a result, the effectiveness of Viagra in treating high blood pressure significantly decreases as people grow older. Fortunately, this can be compensated for with a dose of this medication every other day. While daily doses of Viagra in older adults may not be necessary, it is still advised that patients take this drug less frequently than once or twice daily.
Another potential risk associated with using Viagra is related to sexual function. If you are taking this drug for reasons related to sexual function, then there is the risk of experiencing drug side effects. Common side effects associated with Viagra include low libido, lack of interest in sex, and erectile difficulties. While these may not be issues for everyone, it’s still good to know that they are risks associated with this drug.
Due to the way Viagra works, it is also possible for patients who take this drug to develop a tolerance for it. This means that over time, the body will require a higher dose to achieve the same results. As this tolerance develops, it’s possible for patients to develop a dependency on the drug. If you or your partner is taking this medication and you desire an alternative, then you have the option of switching to another medication or treatment. To stay on top of the latest medical research, you can also consult with your physician about participating in a clinical trial. Due to the risks and side effects associated with this drug, it’s important to remember that Viagra is still considered experimental and off-label use is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Do I Need To Monitor My Blood Pressure While On Viagra?
If you have recently started taking Viagra and your blood pressure is within the normal range, there is no need to monitor it while you are on the medication. In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) does not recommend routine monitoring of blood pressure while on this medication. However, if you have already been prescribed Viagra and your blood pressure is not in the normal range, then you should consult with your physician about monitoring it.
The AHA does, however, suggest that if your blood pressure is high when you first start taking this medication, then you should try to bring it down before you start to monitor it. Another reason behind this recommendation is that excessive reduction of blood pressure may put you at risk for a number of problems. If your blood pressure is in the high normal range when you start taking this medication, then it’s a good idea to try to bring it down before you begin monitoring it. Once you have done this, then you can start to monitor and see how your blood pressure is doing. You may notice that your blood pressure is lower when you wake up in the morning and higher at night but it should be kept within the normal range.
There are also no specific dietary requirements or restrictions when it comes to taking Viagra. However, if you are already following a diet or have dietary restrictions, then make sure that you discuss this with your physician before you start taking the drug. They may want you to adjust your diet or supplement it with additional vitamins or minerals to lower your blood pressure.
Additionally, there are no specific side effects or dangers associated with taking Viagra. However, if you do experience any side effects, then these are usually mild and of short duration. The most common side effects associated with this medication include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and diarrhea. In some rare cases, people taking this medication may experience jaw pain, heartburn, or tachycardia (rapid heart rate). If you experience any side effects not listed here, then it’s probably best to consult your physician. However, if these symptoms are not related to any medical condition, then they are probably just a result of the drug’s adverse effects.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know While On Viagra?
All people who take Viagra should be aware of several things that could happen while they are on this medication. First of all, your erection could be affected. This is why it’s essential to discuss this with your physician before you start taking the medication. They will be able to help you determine whether or not this is a problem for you and help you find a solution.
Additionally, people who are already on heart medication should not take this medication without speaking with their physician first. Some studies have shown that Viagra can speed up the heart rate when used in conjunction with certain medications such as digoxin and beta-blockers. Since this medication can interact with several different classes of medications, it’s important to let your physician know of all your medications before you start taking Viagra.
Similarly, people who are already taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as warfarin or phenprocoumon should not start taking this medication. Since blood thinners can thin the blood, these individuals could experience bleeding which could be dangerous if it occurs in the gastrointestinal tract or from a surgical site. Even on an as-needed basis, these medications could increase the risk of bleeding. To have a safe and effective blood pressure treatment, your physician may recommend avoiding or decreasing the dosage of this medication in people already taking blood thinners.
When Should I Check My Blood Pressure While On Viagra?
As previously mentioned, there are no specific instructions for when to check your blood pressure while you are on this medication. However, the AHA does suggest checking your blood pressure before you start taking the medication in the morning and again before you go to bed. If your blood pressure is in the normal range both times, then there is no need to check it while you are on this medication.