Viagra and heart conditions – is still the subject of debate and controversy. This article will try to separate conjectures from actual scientific knowledge. We will help you understand how Viagra affects the heart and whether this drug can lead to cardiovascular system complications.

First of all, we should recall that the original active ingredient of Viagra – sildenafil, was developed as a vasodilator for the treatment of various pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Even at the dawn of the invention of this drug, it was noted a strong influence of sildenafil on the enzyme PDE5, located in the cells of veins and arteries. Then scientists observed that sildenafil acts locally, concentrating more in the pelvic organs.

It is believed that Viagra provides a general toning effect to the human circulatory system. However, like many other medications, this kind of medicine can affect existing heart pathologies.

Secondly, it is necessary to recall three fundamental theses that relate to erectile dysfunction, Viagra and the work of the heart:

• People who have suffered heart attacks, strokes or severe cardiac arrhythmias during the previous six months should refrain from taking Viagra,
• ED medications can harm people with a history of congestive heart failure or unstable angina,
• The drug can lead to severe cardiac disorders in people with low or uncontrolled blood pressure (above 170/110 mm Hg).

This information is indicated in the leaflet Viagra, in the basic precautions block. Before recommending a medicine for erectile dysfunction, any doctor will ask about the condition of your heart and the history of diseases in the cardiovascular system (if there is one).

At the same time, a direct link between erectile dysfunction and the work of the heart may also exist. Moreover, the erectile dysfunction that has appeared can be a warning sign that everything is not well with the work of the vessels. Sometimes atherosclerosis is a common cause of ED, as well as the cause of many heart diseases. Later in this article, we will explain how atherosclerosis manifests itself and why Viagra cannot be considered its causative agent.

Thus, we can draw an intermediate conclusion regarding Viagra side effects on the heart. The safety of Viagra depends on the individual characteristics of the circulatory system. Most men take it without any side effects, without acquiring heart problems or aggravating those already existing pathologies.

Can Viagra cause heart attack?

Viagra gives people back the opportunity to enjoy a proper intimate life. However, many people think that a heart attack may occur after using this med. So, let’s clarify – does Viagra cause heart attacks? This misconception is the most unscientific, and now we will explain why.

A heart attack, known in the scientific literature as a myocardial infarction, occurs due to a stop in blood flow to the heart muscle. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of a heart attack. It happens because blood vessels narrow due to accumulated fat or cholesterol. Thus, the arteries supplying the heart with blood cease to function.

Viagra, in turn, is a vasodilator medication that corrects circulatory system problems that usually lead to a heart attack. However, you should not expect Viagra to solve complex cardiovascular system problems. Its basic area of action is the pelvic organs. So, is it possible to experience significant cardiovascular issues after taking Viagra? Heart attack, arrhythmia, and other heart defects can occur in men taking Viagra if their cardiac system has pathologies leading to these diseases.

Can Viagra lead to heart attack and death?

As we mentioned above, Viagra does not provoke a heart attack, as it does not affect the formation of blood supply to the heart. At the same time, medicine cannot guarantee that Viagra will protect a person from the risk of a heart attack if there are serious pathologies. According to statistics obtained by the FDA, about 16 people who took Viagra to die from heart complications per month on average in the United States. There is no direct confirmation that Viagra leads to heart attack and death. The statistics themselves have been considered low since, on average, more than 5 million people in the United States use medications to treat erectile dysfunction.

Does Viagra increase heart rate?

Viagra can dilate blood vessels, which has a positive effect on blood flow and a calming effect on the cardiovascular system. As a rule, this does not lead to an increase in heart rate. Most often, the heart rate continues to be the same or gains due to increased physical activity during intimacy.

What the scientists say about – does Viagra increase heart rate? As clinical studies show, an increase in heart rate caused by Viagra is a relatively rare side effect that occurs in 1 case out of 1000. Such a reaction is often associated with existing pathologies of the heart, blood vessels or lungs. If the increased heart rate persists after the completion of sexual intercourse, you should consult a doctor.

Viagra and heart medication

The international scientific community unanimously believes that taking Viagra and heart medication can lead to side effects. Most often, these effects can be triggered by Viagra, and many drugs for the treatment of the heart duplicate the impact of each other. The most common medication for the treatment of heart defects is nitrates. They are recommended for people with heart problems and blocked arteries. Nitrates calm the vessels and dilate them, giving the heart the necessary blood supply. Viagra also dilates blood vessels and arteries, so simultaneous administration of this medication for ED and nitrates can lead to the fact that both drugs will enhance the effect of each other. Among the nitrate medications that should not be taken at the same time as Viagra are:

• Nitroglycerin,
• Isosorbide mononitrate,
• Isosorbide dinitrate,
• Nitro patch or nitro paste.

You should not take Viagra if you took the above medicines 48 hours ago.

It is also not recommended to take Viagra and heart medication from the alpha-blockers group simultaneously. Otherwise, symptomatic hypotension and other more serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system may form. Among the alpha-blockers, the reception of which, together with Viagra, should not be allowed is:

• Tamsulosin,
• Terazosin,
• Prazosin,
• Alfuzosin,
• Doxazosin.

Сan Viagra cause blood clots?

The question does Viagra cause blood clots has long existed in the scientific community. This drug for treating ED positively affects blood vessels, expands them and provides high blood permeability. On the other hand, the active substance of Viagra can affect platelets, which are necessary for blood clotting when blood vessels are damaged. There is no evidence that Viagra causes blood clots identified by clinical studies. Most men use Viagra without any risk to the circulatory system. In their body, the drug shows the pharmacodynamics declared by the manufacturer – the suppression of the PDE5 enzyme, which promotes the release of nitric oxide, which gives blood vessels more plasticity and the ability to expand.

Conclusion

Based on the facts studied, we can conclude that you should use Viagra, considering your heart and blood vessel condition. It will not be superfluous to undergo an examination of the heart and blood vessels before you want to start taking Viagra. If you have recently experienced a heart attack, heart attack, you have very high or low blood pressure and unstable angina – you should refrain from taking Viagra.

If you don’t have any problems with your cardio, you can take Viagra without worrying that there will be failures in the work of the heart and blood vessels.