Viagra is one of the most popularly-prescribed medications for men who have erectile dysfunction (impotence). It is also frequently-prescribed for those who have high blood pressure (hypertension), which is why this question about its safety arises.
Here, we will discuss what is known about Viagra and its safety in the treatment of hypertensive patients. We will also discuss other medications that are commonly associated with high blood pressure and their safety when used with Viagra.
Is Viagra Safe if You Have High Blood Pressure?
The following points summarize the current state of knowledge about Viagra and its safety in relation to high blood pressure:
- There is no current evidence suggesting that Viagra is unsafe in the treatment of hypertension. However, there is some evidence that it may not be the best choice for those with more severe cases of the condition.
- If you have high blood pressure and you are also taking or planning to take other medications for that condition, then it is probably best to discuss the safety of Viagra with your doctor. Doing so may help to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
- The condition of erectile dysfunction is commonly associated with high blood pressure. Thus, Viagra is frequently-prescribed for men with this condition. While there is no current evidence suggesting that Viagra is unsafe in the treatment of hypertension, it may not be the best choice for those with more severe cases of the condition.
What Is The Difference Between Severe and Moderate Hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure is higher than normal. Blood pressure can be measured in three different ways: systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure. Severe hypertension is typically defined as systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than 110 mmHg.
Those with moderate hypertension have systolic blood pressure between 160 and 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure between 100 and 110 mmHg. Treatment for hypertension focuses on lowering the blood pressure as much as possible, and sometimes this requires medication and lifestyle changes. While there is currently no evidence that Viagra is unsafe in the treatment of hypertension, it probably does not offer the best clinical response for those with more severe cases of the condition.
Other Medications That Are Commonly Associated With High Blood Pressure And Their Safety When Used With Viagra
The following medications are commonly associated with high blood pressure and their safety when used with Viagra:
- Amlodipine
- Bisoprolol
- Candesartan
- Olmesartan
- Telmisartan
- Ramipril
- Irbesartan
To determine whether or not these medications are safe to use together with Viagra, one must first examine the evidence available for each of them individually.
The following points summarize the current state of knowledge about each of these medications:
- Amlodipine: Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that has been clinically-proven to be effective at lowering blood pressure. However, there is no current evidence that it is safe to use in combination with Viagra.
- Bisoprolol: Bisoprolol is an effective beta-adrenergic blocker that has been proven to be safe to use in combination with Viagra. It has also been clinically-proven to be effective at lowering blood pressure.
- Candesartan: Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (AIIRA) that has been clinically-proven to be effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing stroke. There is no current evidence that it is unsafe to use in combination with Viagra.
- Olmesartan: Olmesartan is another AIIRA that has been clinically-proven to be effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing stroke. Like candesartan, there is no current evidence that it is unsafe to use in combination with Viagra.
- Telmisartan: Telmisartan is an oral medication that has been clinically-proven to be effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing stroke. There is also some evidence that it may reduce the risk of heart failure in combination with other medications.
- Ramipril: Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) that has been proven to be safe and effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing heart disease. Ramipril has also been proven to be more effective when used in combination with other antihypertensive medications.
- Irbesartan: Irbesartan is an oral medication that has been clinically-proven to be effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing stroke. There is also some evidence that it may reduce the risk of heart failure when used in combination with other medications.
Summary
In summary, there is no current evidence suggesting that Viagra is unsafe in the treatment of hypertension. However, given that hypertension is a serious condition that can lead to serious complications if not treated properly, then it is probably best to refrain from using this medication if possible. If you are already taking or planning to take other medications for hypertension, then it is probably best to discuss the safety of Viagra with your doctor. Doing so may help to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.