Viagra has been considered a safe treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) since 1998, when it was FDA-approved. But just because it’s FDA-approved and used widely to treat ED, doesn’t mean it’s totally free of side effects. Here’s everything you need to know about viagra and heart health.
Heart Conditions & ED
Erections have a lot to do with blood circulation, so it figures that heart and circulatory conditions can cause ED. According to Harvard Health, trouble getting and sustaining erections can be an early sign that you may have heart or blood vessel trouble.
Erections happen when blood vessels to the penis widen, causing more blood to rush into the penis, filling it and making it firm. If any blood vessels leading to the penis are blocked or constricted, you’ll have trouble getting it up.
Clogged blood vessels are a leading cause of heart problems and other circulatory issues, including heart attacks, angina, strokes, and more. Because of the close link between erections and circulation, difficulty in getting and staying hard can indicate poor heart health, so it’s best to seek medical help if you’re experiencing ED. It could just save your life.
But how do you know if you’re at risk of heart disease?
You have a higher chance of developing heart disease if:
- It runs in your family
- You’re male
- You’re over 65
- You’re postmenopausal
- You have high cholesterol
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- You have uncontrolled diabetes
- You battle with depression, anxiety, stress or anger
- You smoke
- You drink alcohol frequently
- You have a poor diet
If you’re worried about your heart health, first speak to your doctor. From there they’ll decide what tests to run to get a diagnosis.
Can Viagra Cause A Heart Attack?
Contrary to what you have heard, Viagra does not appear to directly cause heart attacks, according to what we know. While there are reports of heart attacks in men taking Viagra, it’s not definitive that the medication alone causes them.
A 2002 study suggests that heart attacks in men taking Viagra are due to pre-existing coronary issues and a higher level of sexual activity, rather than the medication itself. Viagra was shown to have no effect on heart health in men with stable coronary disease.
Basically, unless you have an untreated or unstable heart disease, Viagra is probably A-OK.
Don’t Mix Alcohol & Drugs With Your ED Medication
Viagra on its own is pretty safe to use, but mixing it with other substances like alcohol and other medications can heighten its side effects or counteract its efficacy.
Some blood pressure and chest pain medications contain nitrates, which should not be mixed with Viagra.
Because of the way Viagra works, when you use it you may experience a slight dip in blood pressure. But when you take Viagra with nitrates, your blood pressure can get dangerously low, and obviously that’s not a good thing. If you’re on any medication, it’s worth consulting a doctor before you take Viagra, just to be safe.
Viagra also doesn’t mix well with alcohol, which is a shame if you were planning a romantic evening topped with some vino.
When it comes to alcohol, moderation is everything. You can have a little with your romantic dinner, but consuming too much or drinking it too fast can worsen some of the side effects of Viagra like headache, heartburn, and flushed skin, which kinda puts a damper on your romantic endeavours too.
The Takeaway
Few people experience severe side effects when taking Viagra. When it comes to heart problems and Viagra, current research suggests pre-existing heart health issues are the underlying cause, rather than the medication itself.
It’s still important to consult a doctor when it comes to ED treatments so you can understand how they may affect you and if they interact with other medication you take. If Viagra isn’t for you, there are other options out there that will help you take back your sex life.