Many of us are familiar with the story of Dr. Robert Tompkins and Viagra. It was back in the late 1990s when the now ubiquitous blue pill became a household name after it was featured on the covers of the popular literature that chronicled the lives of wealthy men trying to cheat death. While the article may have sold many a copy, its real purpose was to spark an interest in medical conditions commonly known as “male menopause,” or as some have coined it, “the midlife crisis.”
If you’re not familiar, high blood pressure (HBP) is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure that can cause damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys. According to statistics, more than 50% of the cases of hypertension (high blood pressure) are due to stress, anxiety, or depression. Other contributing factors include poor dietary habits and certain genetic predispositions. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treating hypertension, there is plenty of evidence to indicate that certain drugs can help reduce blood pressure and the strain that it places on the heart and other body organs. One of the most popular of these drugs is Viagra, and in this article, we will discuss what Viagra does to high blood pressure and whether or not it’s safe to take the drug if you have this medical condition.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra is a medication that acts on the adrenal glands in such a way as to cause dilation of the blood vessels. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. In layman’s terms, it works by increasing blood flow to the penis thus enhancing its ability to engorge during sexual activity. In addition to increasing blood flow to the penis, Viagra is also known to increase blood flow to the heart which can have beneficial effects for patients with heart disease. As mentioned previously, more than 50% of people with hypertension also suffer from anxiety, depression, or stress. If you’re not sure which medications would be suitable for you, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor so that he can suggest specific pharmaceuticals that would be effective in treating your condition.
Does Viagra Cause High Blood Pressure?
While it’s true that the drug can have beneficial effects on men with certain medical conditions, it should not be taken indiscriminately. As with any other medication, there are known side effects associated with Viagra. As mentioned previously, the primary side effect is low blood pressure which can make you dizzy or even nauseous. In rare instances, people have reported headaches, fainting, or heart arrhythmias (irregular heart beat) as a result of taking the drug. If you have any of these symptoms, it would be best to consult with your doctor so that he can put on record what’s causing these problems and whether or not they can be treated.
Is There Any Evidence That Viagra Causes Heart Disease?
There’s some evidence to suggest that men who take Viagra are more likely to develop heart disease, especially heart valve disease. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2010 found that men who took Viagra had an elevated risk of developing heart valve abnormalities. In addition, those who took the drug had larger aortic valve leaflets which could put them at an increased risk for aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve). While the study only evaluated the risk of heart disease associated with Viagra in men, it’s something to consider if you’re a woman who takes the drug.
Is It Safe To Take Viagra If You Have High Blood Pressure?
If you have hypertension and are concerned about the risks associated with taking any medication, it’s good to know that Viagra is a relatively safe medication. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Viagra is classified as a Category A drug, which means it is considered to be amongst the safest medications available. As long as you’re not allergic to any of its ingredients, there are no absolute contraindications (things that you can’t have done) to taking it. The following are some of the things you should know and consider before you start taking Viagra:
- You should have your blood pressure checked by a physician before you start taking this medication.
- You should use a condom during sex to prevent unneeded exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- It is important to keep in mind that your doctor may recommend a different dosage for you based on your current health status. Keep all medication containers out in the open and make sure you monitor what you’re taking so that you don’t overdose.
- Use caution when driving or operating machinery due to the fact that it can make you feel drowsy. In addition, it can cause dry mouth which may affect your ability to drive safely. If you experience any unusual headaches or dizziness while taking the drug, it would be advisable to discontinue use until you can seek medical help.
- If you have liver disease, you should consult with your doctor before you start taking this medication as it may affect how you metabolize other medications. Your doctor may also have advice for you regarding what to do if you experience any symptoms of abuse or addiction while taking it.
In summary, men with hypertension can experience serious health problems as a result of the condition. If you’re a man who takes Viagra and have hypertension, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with the drug. While there are no “cure” for hypertension, there are plenty of drugs that your doctor can prescribe for you that can help control and manage this condition. In addition, it’s critical to follow all of the guidelines and suggestions that your doctor gives you so that you can avoid any possible complications caused by this very common condition.