Elevated blood pressure (BP) is common in older adults and often a result of multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. Even so, a new study finds that in men with symptomatic high BP who were not taking prescription medications, the erectile dysfunction (ED) drug viagra may help lower their systolic blood pressure (SBP) by a clinically significant amount.
Led by Priscilla A. Morris, PharmD, of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, researchers examined the effect of a drug known as sildenafil citrate (Viagra) on BP in older men with ED. Individuals experiencing ED due to hypertension were randomly selected to participate in the study. The study drug was administered for four weeks, and then again after a two-week wash-out period. Additionally, the participants were asked to adhere to a diet and exercise regimens.
According to the results, which were published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, participants who took the study drug experienced a statistically significant decrease in their SBP — as much as six points lower than those receiving a placebo. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure declined in the treated group, while it slightly increased in the control group.
Although there are no current guidelines specifically recommending the use of ED drugs for hypertension, these results suggest that such an approach may be considered in the management of this chronic condition. In fact, men enrolled in the study were already being treated with various antihypertensive medications, and the researchers noted that sildenafil citrate was the only drug that lowered their BP in this setting.
What Is sildenafil citrate (Viagra)?
Sildenafil citrate is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during an erection. In turn, increasing the blood flow to the penis helps promote and maintain an erection.
As mentioned above, the potential benefits of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in lowering BP in older men with ED are promising and have been previously demonstrated in other studies. However, the current study is the first, to our knowledge, to investigate the clinical effects of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in men with hypertension and ED. Additionally, the results of this study provide further support for the use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in combination with other antihypertensive medications.
How Does Viagra Work On BP?
Prior studies have suggested that sildenafil citrate (Viagra) may lower blood pressure (BP) in a variety of ways, which may help explain its potential role as an antihypertensive agent. For example, research has shown that the drug may improve endothelial function, resulting in lower BP. Endothelial function refers to the ability of the lining of the blood vessel to perform its critical function of preventing the blood cells from sticking together and blocking blood flow through the vessel.
Another possible mechanism of action involves nitric oxide (NO), which is a substance that is important for maintaining normal blood pressure. NO also stimulates the nerves that control the muscles of the penile chambers, resulting in an erection. By improving the functioning of the endothelium and the nerve endings that control the muscles of the penis, sildenafil citrate (Viagra) may enhance erectile function and therefore lower blood pressure.
While the reasons for the decreased blood pressure in men with ED remain unclear, one possible explanation is that ED can be a marker of general arterial dysfunction. ED is often associated with heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. All of these conditions are known to be potent risk factors for high blood pressure. In addition, ED has been shown to be a potent predictor of mortality in men with hypertension. Consequently, men with ED and hypertension may benefit from measures to reduce their blood pressure, such as dietary adjustments and medication trials.
Risks Of Treating ED With Viagra
Although sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is generally well-tolerated, it has been associated with severe side effects. The most commonly reported adverse reactions include nasal congestion, headache, flushing, and visual disturbances. Additionally, the use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in combination with other medications may increase the risk of serious adverse reactions, including drug interactions. Therefore, patients should be closely monitored and properly instructed as to how to properly use sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in combination with other medications.
In conclusion, sildenafil citrate (Viagra) appears to be a promising treatment for men with hypertension and ED. The results of the current study further corroborate this and provide clinicians with additional data on the efficacy of Viagra in managing this condition. Additionally, men experiencing ED due to hypertension seem to benefit from measures aimed at lowering their blood pressure, and thus, treating their condition with sildenafil citrate (Viagra) may be considered as a therapeutic option.