Many people take Viagra because they believe it can help them gain more stamina in bed. Others take it because they want to treat their heart condition with a safer and more effective drug than many of the common remedies they are prescribed. Still others take it for the simple fact that they like the feel of the drug when they put it in their mouth.
But did you know that Viagra can actually cause your blood pressure to rise?
Blood pressure, or the “pulse” as it is more commonly known, is the force that your blood vessels exert on your heart. The higher your blood pressure, the more stress your heart has to endure. It is a vital measurement that your doctor takes by placing a cuff around your arm and squeezing it harder and harder until he hears your pulse. In some people with high blood pressure, the cuff will not go all the way around their arm, even after multiple squeezes. This is called the “window period” and it is very dangerous because it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Now, some experts say that the “window period” only happens in people who have previously had a heart attack or stroke. For the rest of us, there are always alternatives. If you are uncomfortable with the window period, there are alternatives that do not pose the same risks.
Is there anything wrong with Viagra? Well, yes, there is something wrong with it. Just like any other drug, there are negative side effects associated with Viagra. But unlike most other drugs, these negative effects are more dangerous for people with high blood pressure. Let’s examine more closely how this dangerous drug affects people with high blood pressure.
How Does Viagra Affect People With High Blood Pressure?
The active compound in Viagra is sildenafil. It is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which means it interferes with a biochemical process in the body. This process involves breaking down certain chemicals in the body that increase blood pressure. Sildenafil specifically inhibits the effects of alcohol on the cardiovascular system, and it also seems to have positive effects on erectile function.
But, just like any other drug, there are certain risks associated with Viagra. One of the biggest concerns is that it can cause an increase in blood pressure. How can a drug that is supposed to decrease your blood pressure cause this effect?
There are two possibilities as to how the sildenafil in Viagra could raise blood pressure. The first is an indirect mechanism, and the second is a direct one. Let us examine these one at a time.
The Indirect Mechanism
The indirect mechanism concerns itself with the way that sildenafil alters the function of various organs and body tissues in the body. In general, PDE inhibitors are known to have a negative effect on bone density, which is why people with high blood pressure often experience increased fractures. It also seems that this class of medication can raise cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the blood. However, in normal doses, these effects do not seem to be significant. In addition, in most cases, there are not known to be any serious side effects when taken in conjunction with nitrates, the prescription medicines used to treat heart disease.
The Direct Mechanism
The direct mechanism concerns itself with the way that sildenafil affects the blood vessels in the body. Sildenafil selectively dilates the blood vessels in the penis, which results in increased blood flow during sexual stimulation. This seems to be one of the reasons why Viagra is sometimes referred to as “the little white pill.” But more importantly, in people who have hypertension, this same dilation of the blood vessels can increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack. So, while Viagra can be a useful addition to your drug regimen if taken in the proper dose, it should never be considered “safer” than other prescription medications you are taking, simply because it is a natural product.
Viagra, Sildenafil, And The “Window Period”
It is important to keep in mind that even if you have never had a heart attack or stroke, you can still develop these problems if you have high blood pressure. This is why it is crucial to have regular blood pressure checks even if you feel you are doing just fine. If you are not sure whether or not you have hypertension, consult with your doctor. It is also important that you notify your doctor of any new medications you try, so that they can watch out for any interactions or side effects that might arise.
In some people who have hypertension, the sildenafil in Viagra will cause an increase in blood pressure during the “window period” immediately following a heart attack or stroke. Why is this “window period” so dangerous?
After you have suffered a heart attack or stroke, the drugs you are taking, no matter what they are, will temporarily stop working. This is why the “window period” is so risky. It is during this time that your blood pressure will start to rise, and without treatment it can reach dangerous levels. In some people, this window period can last for several weeks or even longer. In rare cases, it can even last forever. This is why it is so important to keep your blood pressure under control during this time.
Can Other Medicines Help?
Some people think that since Viagra is a drug that is specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction, it must be the only medication that can raise blood pressure. But this is not true. In fact, there are a variety of other medications that can help lower blood pressure and prevent future heart attacks and strokes. Your doctor will be able to suggest some alternatives that can be used to treat your condition.
To give you an idea of what these alternatives are, let’s examine three of the most popular drug treatments for hypertension.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a class of medication that is often prescribed to people who have hypertension to help regulate their blood pressure. Beta-blockers are most effective at decreasing blood pressure when they are first administered, and they remain effective for the rest of the day. This makes them ideal for people who have irregular or late-night blood pressure spikes. They also have little or no effect on people who do not have high blood pressure.
What are the most popular beta-blockers?
Alprazolam (Xanax) is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It is also occasionally prescribed to people who have hypertension to decrease their blood pressure. Lisinopril (Aceon) is used to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart disease. It is also one of the most popularly prescribed drugs in the world. Metoprolol (Lopressor) is another common beta-blocker that is prescribed to reduce blood pressure and prevent heart disease. These medications are all effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing future heart attacks and strokes. So, even though Viagra can raise blood pressure in some cases, it is not the only medication that can do this.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers are a class of medication that are often used to control blood pressure. They work by relaxing the blood vessels, which decreases the force that blood exerts on the heart. This decreases the strain that the heart has to endure, which in turn can decrease blood pressure. They are especially useful for people who have high blood pressure and have experienced a heart attack or stroke. They can also be used to prevent future heart attacks and strokes in people who have never had these conditions.
There are a variety of calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine (Norvasc) and felodipine (Plendil) are two such medications. These drugs are prescribed to people with high blood pressure who want to prevent future heart attacks and strokes. However, in some people, amlodipine can cause ankle swelling and edema (water retention). This is why it is imperative to try and avoid prescribing this medication to people who have already had heart problems.