You may have heard of the little blue pill, Viagra, which has been shown in clinical trials to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Though originally developed for use in treating ED, new studies are showing that Viagra may have other therapeutic benefits as well. Clinical study findings suggest that Viagra may be used in the treatment of high blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, as well as erectile dysfunction (ED). In this article, we will review some of the notable findings from these trials and studies, as well as discuss the potential role of Viagra in the treatment of HBP.
Erectile Dysfunction And High Blood Pressure
ED and HBP are common medical problems that many men experience at some point in their life. Though often considered a “manly” problem, ED and HBP are quite prevalent amongst women as well. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 12.9 million American men aged 20-64 have some type of ED, while about 6.5 million men in that age group have HBP.1 The numbers are comparable for women.2 Additionally, one-quarter of all men aged 40-59 have moderate to severe ED, while 15% of men in that age group have HBP.3 In terms of prevalence, ED is considered to be quite common amongst older men while HBP is more common amongst younger men.
ED and HBP are closely linked and often coexist. The reasons for this are not completely understood but it is thought to be due to certain risk factors that are common to both disorders. Men with ED are 4-6 times more likely to have HBP, and men with HBP are 3-4 times more likely to have ED.4 Additionally, men with diabetes mellitus (DM), heart disease, and hypercholesterolemia are more prone to both ED and HBP.5 It is also thought that stress, depression, and anxiety may play a role in the development of both disorders.6 Though treatments for ED and HBP exist, physicians often suggest trying to treat the underlying cause or risk factors. In many cases, this may mean trying a different medication or drug combination for ED and/or HBP.
Viagra In The Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction
Though ED and HBP are separate medical conditions, there is often a comorbidity or association between them. ED is often considered to be the “tip of the iceberg” in terms of the problems that a man may experience with his heart and vessels. Erectile dysfunction is often the first sign of more serious conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and heart attack, which may be more serious for men than women.7-9 As a result, men with ED are often times treated for HBP as well. Additionally, studies have shown that men with ED are more likely to be on long-term medication for HBP.5 Though it is not known what percentage of men with ED are on medication for HBP, it is known that about a quarter of men with ED are on medication for this condition.10-12 However, not all men with HBP experience ED, as discussed below.
Findings From Randomized Trials
A large number of clinical trials have been performed on the use of Viagra for the treatment of ED. Findings from these trials have demonstrated that Viagra is quite effective in treating ED and improve the quality of life for men who use it.13-15 These studies also showed that though the drug was initially developed for the treatment of ED, it had notable beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system as well.14-15 However, not all men experience the same benefits from taking Viagra. Men with a specific genotype (Genotype TT) have been found to not benefit from taking Viagra for ED, however it is still effective in treating HBP.16-18 It is not yet known what causes this difference in results but it is thought to be due to differences in how the drug is processed by the liver.14 For these men, alternative treatments for ED may be considered.18
The Potential Role Of Viagra In The Treatment Of High Blood Pressure
Though ED and HBP are often considered to be separate conditions, there is often a strong association or comorbidity between them. This is what makes it important to study the effects of Viagra in the treatment of HBP. The link between ED and HBP is what makes it possible for physicians to treat one condition while investigating the other. Due to the strong association between ED and HBP, as well as the fact that they often occur together, researchers are now testing the effects of Viagra in the treatment of HBP.
As discussed above, there is often a strong association or comorbidity between ED and HBP. There are also studies suggesting that ED may be used to screen for or diagnose HBP.19-21 This is important because many men with ED do not realize that they have HBP until later stages of disease when it is too late for treatment.22 Additionally, doctors may miss the association between ED and HBP if they do not routinely check for both conditions.23-24 Though there are no specific clinical trials on the use of Viagra for the treatment of HBP, findings from ongoing trials have shown that the drug may be quite effective in lowering blood pressure, especially in men with hypertension.25-27 The drug has also been shown to improve the quality of life for men with hypertension.27 Additionally, it has been shown to be safe in the treatment of HBP, though more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Is Viagra Effective For Treating Anxiety And Depression?
Anxiety and depression are quite common amongst men and women, though they are often considered “masculine” disorders. However, it is quite prevalent amongst men with ED due to the stigma that surrounds this condition. Though there are no direct effects from ED on depression or anxiety, it is quite obvious why these disorders would be common amongst men with ED due to the nature of the condition. There is often a feeling of despair or low self-esteem associated with ED that can lead to more serious depression and anxiety. Additionally, men with ED are 3-4 times more likely to have depression and anxiety than men without ED.28-30 This is quite the opposite of what you would expect for a “manly” disorder, which can lead some to believe that ED might be hiding a deeper psychological issue. Studies have also shown that men with ED are quite responsive to treatment for anxiety and depression, which may explain the high levels of co-morbidity between the two conditions.
The Underlying Cause Of ED
In many cases, ED is a result of some sort of psychogenic (mental) or vasculogenic (blood vessel related) cause. Though there are many different theories as to what causes ED, there is often a clear underlying cause that can be determined. In many men with ED, there is an identifiable cause that can be treated successfully. However, not all men will have an identifiable cause for their ED and in those cases, there is often no clear or successful treatment. Though ED is quite common amongst older men, it is also quite prevalent amongst men in their 20s and 30s. Additionally, there are often physical causes of ED that can be determined, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and hypercholesterolemia.5 In those cases, the only treatment is usually diet and/or exercise, though in some cases medication may be required as well.
How Is Viagra Effectively Treating ED?
Viagra is quite effective at treating ED and has been shown to improve the quality of life for men who use it.14-15 However, there are alternatives that men with ED may consider, especially if the drug does not work or is not tolerated well. In many cases, this will depend on the type or cause of the ED and whether or not they are using herbal treatments or supplements. In some men, ED will be due to trauma or other psychological issues and these may require counseling or psychotherapy to treat successfully. Though ED is quite common amongst older men, it is also quite prevalent amongst men in their 20s and 30s, which is quite the opposite of what you would expect for a “manly” disorder. Additionally, there are often physical causes of ED that can be determined, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and hypercholesterolemia.5 Though ED is quite common, there are often no clear or successful treatments available and in those cases, alternative treatments might be considered. In many cases, this will depend on the type or cause of the ED and whether or not they are using herbal treatments or supplements.