| Patients
with Coronary Heart Disease Should Use Caution
Regarding Viagra
On
March 27, 1998, the FDA approved Viagra as
the first oral pill to treat impotence in men
and millions of prescriptions have been written
since that time (according to the FDA, Viagra
should not be taken by women or children).
Viagra increases the body’s ability to
achieve and maintain an erection during sexual
stimulation. Marketed by Pfizer Inc., this “wonder
drug” has received both good and bad reviews.
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil
citrate.
Atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty plaque in blood vessels that results in decreased
blood flow, is one cause of coronary artery disease and also one of the major
causes of erectile dysfunction. It is estimated that ten to 30 million men in
the United States suffer from erectile dysfunction, which is defined as the inability
to obtain or sustain the erection necessary for sexual intercourse. Atherosclerosis
affects not only the blood vessels that bring oxygenated blood to the heart,
but also the delicate arteries that carry blood to the penis. A normal blood
flow is necessary to achieve an erection. Viagra acts as a vasodilator, widening
the vessels and increasing blood flow to improve sexual function.
Unfortunately, a number of deaths have been reportedly associated with the use
of Viagra. Most serious side effects related to Viagra are due to lowered blood
pressure. Patients with coronary artery disease commonly use nitrate drugs such
as Nitroglycerin to relieve angina (chest pain). Both Viagra and nitrate drugs
act independently to lower blood pressure and taking both drugs, even 24 hours
apart, can cause your blood pressure to drop to critical levels. Viagra is not
inherently unsafe for men with heart disease. It is the combination of Viagra
and nitrates that has caused a number of deaths.
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