Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death worldwide. More and more people are discovering the advantages of a healthy lifestyle, and many are choosing to avoid drugs and treatments that can be problematic. One such drug is sildenafil citrate, better known as Viagra. Viagra is a well-known medicine for treating erectile dysfunction, but did you know that it can also be unsafe for those with certain heart conditions? It has been linked to cases of heart attack and stroke in some people. If you or a loved one are worried about this, read on!
Viagra Can Be Hazardous To Those With Cardiovascular Disease
Viagra was first approved for sale in 1997, and since then it has gained a lot of popularity as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). As one of the world’s best-selling medical products, it’s not hard to understand why! Viagra improves erectile function by allowing more blood into the penis and restoring chemical balance to the blood vessels. It does this by increasing blood flow into the penis and relaxing the blood vessels. However, while most people experience only slight side effects from Viagra, it has been known to cause a number of serious problems for those with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here are just some of the risks associated with taking Viagra:
Risks Of Taking Viagra In Moderation
Many healthy individuals experience positive benefits from Viagra, including improved blood flow and increased sexual stamina. However, for those with CVD, the same drug can be dangerous. The risk of having a heart attack or stroke goes up if you take too much of the drug, but this is generally only reported in people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The risk of having a heart attack or stroke is also increased if you take the drug at the same time as you are taking other medications that may cause blood pressure to rise. In some instances, the side effects of Viagra have been fatal. In rare cases, individuals have even died from a massive stroke or heart attack after only taking Viagra a few times. If you or a loved one are worried about the risks of taking Viagra, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Taking Viagra With Other Medicines
Since most cases of heart disease are caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, it is important to avoid risk factors that may cause or contribute to this. One such risk factor is high cholesterol. Statins are a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that are known to interact with Viagra. When taken together, the effects of the two medications may be detrimental instead of beneficial. One study found that men taking both medications had increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke. It is extremely important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially ones that affect the heart. Some examples of other medications that may interact with Viagra are: warfarin (Coumadin), losartan (Cozaar), and more.
Watch Out For The Signs Of Trouble
If you experience any symptoms of cardiovascular problems, like chest pain or shortness of breath, you need to see your doctor so that he can examine you and determine the root cause. While there are no exact figures available, it is estimated that somewhere between 7,500 and 18,000 people in the U.S. suffer from some form of impotent heart disease each year. One of the major causes of impotent heart disease is diabetes. People with diabetes are twice as likely to have impotent heart disease as individuals without the disease. If you have diabetes and are taking Viagra, it is imperative that you closely monitor your blood pressure and have regular checkups with your doctor. Elevated blood pressure is one of the most common side effects of the drug, and anyone who experiences this should not be taking it. If you experience any symptoms of elevated blood pressure, stop taking the drug immediately and consult your doctor so that he can examine you and determine the cause of the hypertension.
Thanks to advancements in science and medicine, we now have treatments and medications for many diseases and medical conditions. Although Viagra can be very effective for those who need it, it’s still an impotent drug that can be dangerous for some people. Therefore, as a general rule, people with cardiovascular disease should not be taking it unless under doctors’ supervision. If you or a loved one are considering this drug as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, discuss with your doctor about alternative options that may be available for you.