Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition in which blood vessels in the lung constrict, which in turn leads to high blood pressure in the lungs. PH can be caused by several different things, but it’s generally considered to be a chronic, or long-term, condition. If you’ve ever had a heart attack or stroke, you may be familiar with PH, as these are the two most common causes of death in people with the condition. One of the most common symptoms of PH is shortness of breath when breathing, particularly while doing anything that requires physical exertion. Other symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, chest pains, and leg swelling.
Nowadays, there are several different classes of medications available to treat PH. While these medications can be very effective in treating the condition, they’re also associated with some very serious side effects. For this reason, people with PH are often faced with a difficult choice: to take the medications or not to take the medications. If you or a loved one is struggling with this decision, perhaps it’s time to reconsider whether or not to take these medications.
The Link Between PH and ED Drugs
It’s no secret that people with PH struggle with erection difficulties, or ED for short. Studies have shown that as many as 80% of men with hypertension have some form of ED. So it’s not surprising that medications frequently used to treat hypertension would also be linked to improved erections. The two most popular classes of hypertension medications are calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs).
Both of these classes of medications can be very effective in treating PH, and studies have shown that they may also improve erectile function. It’s important to note here that not all anti-hypertensive medications are created equal, and there are alternative medications available that don’t have these undesirable side effects. For example, aldosterone antagonists and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) don’t have the same association with ED as CCBs and ACEIs. So, if these are options available to you and your doctor hasn’t mentioned them, it may be a good idea to consider an alternative medication route.
Viagra’s Role in Pulmonary Hypertension
It’s no secret that men with PH frequently have erectile dysfunction, or ED. Fortunately, there’s now a solution for this problem: viagra! The blue pill wasn’t originally designed to treat PH, but it has proven to be an extremely effective oral medication in this population. In fact, studies have shown that it’s more effective than many prescription medications used to treat PH, and much safer. If you’re interested in trying it, just be sure to consult with your physician beforehand.
Many doctors will recommend starting with a low dose and increasing it gradually to whatever feels comfortable for the patient. The general consensus is that the earlier you begin treatment, the better the results will be. In advanced cases of PH, it may be difficult to find a comfortable position, which can make sexual activity very challenging. In these situations, using a dildo or a large vibrator can be a great way to achieve an erection and allow for more comfortable coitus. Additionally, some men with severe PH find that testosterone replacement therapy improves their sexual function and makes them more comfortable with sexual activity. And, finally, some doctors believe that psychotherapy may be helpful in cases of severe PH. Regardless of the cause, sexual dysfunction is common in men with PH, and there are various treatment options available.
If you’re concerned about what your doctor has told you about the medications available for PH, or if you’re just looking for an additional option to treatment, it’s important to remember that there are alternatives available that don’t have the same deleterious effects. Additionally, many doctors will be able to provide helpful advice about sexual function and whether or not a person with PH is at risk for developing complications due to the condition. For these reasons, it’s important to remember that not all antihypertensive medications are bad, and there are certainly situations in which they may be beneficial. Just be sure to speak with your doctor about what might be the best option for you based on your specific case.