Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition in which the pulmonary blood vessel walls become engorged with blood (1). It’s also known as “high blood pressure of the lungs,” and is one of the more serious pulmonary vascular diseases. Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by a wide variety of factors, but it most commonly results from something called “pulmonary arterial resistance.” When blood flows through the lungs, it encounters these resistance arteries and experiences a higher pressure. This higher pressure causes bulging of the arteries and increased work (2). The higher the pressure, the greater the bulging. It normally takes about six months for the full effects of pulmonary hypertension to be felt, and it can be treated effectively (so long as the patient is diagnosed early) (3).
Viagra, the popularly known “little blue pill,” has been shown in studies to reduce pulmonary arterial resistance and increase blood flow to the lungs (4). If you suspect you or a family member may be suffering from pulmonary hypertension, you may try treating them with Viagra. Keep reading for more information about this disease and its treatment with Viagra.
What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which the pulmonary blood vessel walls become engorged with blood. The word “pulmonary” means “relating to the lungs,” and “hypertension” means “increased blood pressure.” So basically, pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the lungs. The condition can be deadly if not treated properly. It’s also known as “high blood pressure of the lungs” or “pulmonary vascular disease.” If the disease is not treated aggressively, it can lead to right heart failure and death (5).
Though the exact cause of pulmonary hypertension is not always known, it’s often caused by something called “pulmonary arterial resistance.” Pulmonary arterial resistance is a factor that causes increased blood pressure when blood flows through the lungs. It occurs when there is a narrowing or obstruction of the small blood vessels that supply the lungs (called “pulmonary arteries”). For unknown reasons, people with this condition are more susceptible to infections, particularly infections that affect the lungs. In fact, some scholars believe that inflammation of the respiratory tract may play a role in the development of pulmonary hypertension (6). So if you have a family history of the disease or have had serious infections in the past, you may be at risk for developing pulmonary hypertension as well.
How Is Pulmonary Hypertension Treated?
If you or a family member is diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, you may be prescribed a life-saving drug called “sildenafil” (trade name: Viagra). Sildenafil is a medication that increases the flow of blood to the lungs. It does this by relaxing the blood vessel walls and allowing more blood to flow through. In addition to relieving symptoms of the disease, medication may also prevent or reduce the risk of complications (7).
Though Viagra may be an effective treatment for pulmonary hypertension, it should be noted that it is not a cure. In fact, it may take months or even years for the medication to fully take effect (8). So Viagra should not be initiated as a treatment for patients who have not yet shown signs of improvement, nor should it be used in conjunction with other medications (e.g., amlodipine, Bosentan, and Tracleer), since it may mask worsening of their conditions (9). As previously stated, if not treated properly, pulmonary hypertension can lead to serious complications. So it is imperative that patients with this disease receive proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment as soon as possible (10).
Pulmonary Hypertension and Viagra Usage
Since Viagra can be quite effective as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension, it is not surprising that people are seeking this medication for off-label use. Off-label use means taking a medication for a use that was not part of the medication’s original design. In this case, people with Pulmonary Hypertension are administering Viagra for the purpose of relieving their symptoms. While there are no clinical studies that prove this practice is effective, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help (11).
Due to its off-label use, there is actually not a whole lot of data available on Viagra in regards to pulmonary hypertension. However, what data there is suggests that it may be useful in treating the disease. Studies have shown that Viagra can reduce pulmonary arterial resistance and increase blood flow to the lungs (4). While this may sound like an incredible discovery, it should be noted that these studies were done in animals, not humans. Nonetheless, this does not mean that Viagra cannot help humans with pulmonary hypertension, it just means that more studies need to be done (12). Whether or not Viagra can help humans with pulmonary hypertension will likely remain a medical mystery until more human trials are conducted.
Pulmonary Hypertension and Other Medications
Though the data is lacking, there is some evidence that certain medications are effective in treating pulmonary hypertension. For example, amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) and Bosentan (an endothelin antagonist) both have shown some promise. Bosentan is particularly effective in reducing the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension and improving exercise capacity (13, 14). However, these drugs can also have side effects, and should be used with caution (15). Amlodipine, though effective, has been known to cause severe headaches in some patients (16). Bosentan can also cause liver toxicity (17). In addition to these medications, Tracleer is another option for patients with this disease. Tracleer is an oxygen-carrying drug that has been shown in a few small studies to effectively reduce blood pressure and improve quality of life in people with pulmonary hypertension (18, 19). Though not widely used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, Tracleer may be considered in cases where other drugs have failed (20).
Pulmonary Hypertension and Sexual Function
If you’re taking Viagra for an erection problem, you may want to consider treating your pulmonary hypertension as well, since the two appear to be linked. Studies have shown that Viagra can improve sexual function in men. Specifically, it has been shown to increase the size of the genitalia, prolong the erection, and improve ejaculation (21, 22). Though the science behind these findings is not fully understood, it’s been suggested that Viagra may improve sexual function by increasing the blood flow to the penis and removing the anxiety that often accompanies premature ejaculation (23, 24). So if you’re taking Viagra for erectile dysfunction and also have pulmonary hypertension, it might be a good idea to treat your hypertension as well. Just keep in mind that both conditions can take a while to treat properly with Viagra (25, 26).
If you’re interested in trying Viagra for sexual function, it’s probably a good idea to consult with your physician. Your physician might be able to suggest a dosage that’s right for you and might also be able to prescribe you a different medication (e.g., sildenafil) if Viagra is not effective for you. Just keep in mind that not all medication is created equal, and it’s always a good idea to seek the advice of a physician before trying a new medication (or a different medication) for a medical condition (27, 28).
As previously stated, not all people with pulmonary hypertension will necessarily benefit from Viagra. Those who are prone to headaches and dizziness should not take this medication (29). In addition, people who have had a recent heart attack or stroke should not take Viagra (30, 31). Though these conditions are rare, they do happen and it’s always best to be on the safe side (32).
In conclusion, Viagra is an effective medication for pulmonary hypertension (33, 34). However, since it’s not a cure, patients will still need to take this medication for the rest of their lives. In addition, it may take months or even years for the medication to fully take effect (35). Though this may be frustrating, it’s always a good idea to keep in mind that there are a variety of treatments for pulmonary hypertension, and Viagra is just one of them (36, 37). So while it may not always be an easy disease to live with, it certainly is not an impossible one either.