Viagra continues to be a popular medication among men who have trouble maintaining an erection suitable for intercourse. The drug was first approved for marketing in 1998 and now has several generic competitors. A new study has revealed that Viagra is not only effective at raising blood pressure, but it may also be responsible for lowering it.
Study Details
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the vessel walls as it travels throughout the body. The condition is usually measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) with a normal blood pressure lying somewhere between 120-129/80-85mmHg. The goal is to keep blood pressure as close to normal as possible for a healthy lifestyle. There are several risk factors that may raise blood pressure including age, obesity, cigarette smoking, and diabetes. Men should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year by a physician.
The data for the new study came from a survey of 9,802 men who were between the ages of 20 and 89 and had a history of high blood pressure (or had been treated for it). The researchers from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and VA Kansas City Health Care System analyzed the participants’ results from completing a standardized questionnaire about erectile dysfunction (or ED). In all, 787 men (8%) reported using Viagra or other ED medications. These participants were then compared to a group of 9,115 men who had not used ED medications. The results showed that men who took Viagra had significantly lower blood pressure than those who did not. In particular, the analysis revealed that Viagra users had a 9% reduction in systolic blood pressure (the higher number when measured in a sitting position) and a 6% decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
The data also indicated that men who used Viagra had a 21% reduction in the risk of hypertension compared to non-users. The researchers noted that this was particularly interesting because the drug is known to increase blood pressure in certain individuals. The study authors concluded that “our results suggest a clinically relevant effect of Viagra on blood pressure in men with history of hypertension, especially given its favorable safety profile.” They further suggested that the observed association could be due to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors) which include Viagra and Sildenafil. PDE-5 inhibitors are known to relax the blood vessel walls and increase blood flow throughout the body. They are often marketed as a treatment for hypertension and have been proven to significantly reduced blood pressure in some cases.
Clinical Relevance
The new study provides evidence that Viagra could have a blood pressure lowering effect in some patients. However, as with all medications and supplements, individuals may have varying results when taking this or any drug for the treatment of hypertension. Some patients might have their blood pressure rise slightly while on therapy or even after finishing a treatment cycle. Patients should talk to their doctor about the possibility of taking medication for hypertension and what might be the best course of treatment for them. In some cases, patients might need to try different medications or doses to find the lowest effective amount for their body chemistry.
Where Does This Leave Us?
Even though the new study is interesting, it should not come as a complete surprise that Viagra has a connection to blood pressure. The popular ED medication has been shown to have numerous effects on the human body, including lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels as well as increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Furthermore, many of the adverse effects of the medication are either due to its direct action on the body or are caused by interactions with other bodily functions. Among these are headaches, flushing, stomach upset, and nose bleeds. The medication can also cause eyes to water which might lead to some temporary blurry vision. Men who take Viagra are also at increased risk for developing heart disease and strokes. When used in combination with certain antidepressants or other medications, there is also the potential for serious side effects.
Given its array of proven health benefits, it is not hard to understand why so many men are interested in trying Viagra. As a result, more and more doctors are now including the medication in their treatment plans for various conditions ranging from high blood pressure to ED. However, before men start popping tablets every day, they should consult with their doctor. In some cases, the medication might not be the best option for an individual and other treatments might be preferred.