Viagra is one of the most effective oral medications for Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
It is a small blue-colored tablet and is commonly called ‘the little blue pill’ or ‘the blue pill.’
It has a long history of effectiveness and has become a brand name among several ED pills available.
Viagra is safe to use in most men. But it can result in adverse effects for some people, especially people with heart problems.
Heart problems, including heart attack, stroke, and chest pain or Angina, may relate to ED and Viagra.
This article will delve deeper into the relationship between a heart attack, Viagra, and Erectile Dysfunction. It will help you answer the question, ‘can Viagra cause a heart attack?’
Table of Contents
Can Viagra cause a heart attack
Source: rattanakunViagra is usually safe for men with mild to moderate heart conditions. People with heart conditions or taking heart medicines should be careful while taking Viagra.
According to a paper, Viagra (Sildenafil) is a safe drug. It does not increase the risk of myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death.
Heart attack is a common name for myocardial infarction.
The effects of Viagra may vary from person to person. This is because of the difference in age, body mass, weight, height, etc.
A person may be completely unaffected by the adverse effects of Viagra. In comparison, the other person may face severe health issues.
How can Viagra cause a heart attack
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is interrupted.
Common heart attack symptoms may include chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, and discomfort or pain in the arms, legs, or shoulders.
Mostly heart attack is a result of atherosclerosis. It is the narrowing of the blood arteries due to the buildup of cholesterol, fat, and other substances.
This causes the blood arteries that supply blood to the heart to close off and stop the blood flow.
Viagra is a vasodilator that helps open up blood vessels and arteries. In such a case, you may think Viagra may help prevent a heart attack.
But there have been cases of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, and sudden death in men taking Viagra.
This also does not mean that Viagra may directly result in a heart attack.
In a 2002 study, Sildenafil (Viagra) had no effect on symptoms during exercise in men with Coronary Artery Disease.
It supports the theory that heart attacks linked to Viagra were because of sexual activity instead of drug use.
The connection between ED and heart disease
While there is no direct link between Viagra and heart disease, there may be a connection between Erectile Dysfunction and heart disease.
According to Harvard Health, Erectile Dysfunction can be an early warning sign for heart or other health issues.
This may be because the cause of heart problems and ED is atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis narrows the arteries due to fat and cholesterol buildup. The arteries may not be able to supply blood to the heart or penis, or other body parts in sufficient amounts.
Insufficient blood flow may give rise to heart or erection problems.
You should consult a doctor if you have ED symptoms. They may identify underlying health issues and prescribe a suitable treatment.
Viagra and heart medications
Source: Getty_imagesWhile being an effective ED medication, Viagra can also cause side effects on consumption.
It usually causes mild to moderate side effects. But it can interact with other medications resulting in serious health issues.
Nitrates are useful for the treatment of Angina or chest pain. Viagra interacts poorly with nitrates.
As per research, Sildenafil can cause severe hypotension in combination with nitrates. Sildenafil or Sildenafil Citrate is the active salt in Viagra.
Viagra may also worsen underlying health conditions in people who do not take nitrates.
Some may also wonder, ‘Can you take Viagra after a heart attack?’
People recovering from a heart attack should not take Viagra as the body may be unable to take the strain of sex. It may also interact with heart medicines and result in adverse effects.
People with a history of health diseases, Hypotension, or Hypertension should exercise caution while taking Viagra.
ED treatments other than Viagra
It is best to consult your doctor for alternate ED treatments if you think Viagra is not working for you.
Viagra is usually safe for use and does not increase the risk of a heart attack. Some ED treatment options other than Viagra may include injections, surgery and other ED pills.
Oral medications
Oral ED medications are usually the first line of treatment. They come in the form of film-coated tablets and chewable tablets.
FDA-approved ED medicines include Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil.
The active salt in Viagra is Sildenafil. Mostly these medications have similar working and interactions to Sildenafil.
If you do not want to use Viagra, try other medications containing Tadalafil, Vardenafil, or Avanafil.
Injections and surgery
Injection therapy is useful in treating several erection problems. The medicine is injected in small amounts into the penis using a syringe and a tiny needle.
Your doctor may suggest surgery if oral medications or other methods do not help treat ED.
Doctors mostly prescribe surgery such as penile implants in cases of severe ED symptoms.
Exercise
Recent studies have found that moderate to vigorous exercises can help treat erection problems.
Even moderate regular exercise may help reduce ED symptoms and even help in the prevention of ED symptoms. You may consult your doctor to decide on an exercise plan.
Last words
Viagra is a popular Erectile Dysfunction medicine. It has a long history of effectiveness but can also cause adverse effects in some people.
People with an underlying heart condition or recovering from heart disease should exercise caution while taking Viagra.
But can Viagra cause a heart attack?
As per research, Viagra is safe to use and does not increase the risk of a heart attack.
But there have been cases of heart attack, stroke, or Arrhythmia in men taking Viagra. As per studies, such events may relate to sexual activity after taking Viagra instead of drug usage.
Thus, Viagra does not play a direct role in causing a heart attack. You can try other ED medications, such as Vidalista and Levitra if you are uncomfortable using Viagra.
It is always best to consult a doctor before taking any medication. They will help you understand various treatment options, their potential risks, and the best course of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Viagra cause strokes?
Strokes are not a common side effect of Viagra. Some common side effects may include nausea, headache, flushing, and vomiting.
However, Viagra can interact with other medications, such as nitrates. It may cause extremely low blood pressure and result in an ischemic stroke.
Can Viagra cause chest pain?
Chest pain is a rare adverse effect of Viagra which may require medical attention. Other serious side effects may include fainting, Priapism, and dizziness.
Viagra is a vasodilator causing arteries to expand, which may cause blood pressure to drop. This drop in blood pressure may cause chest pain.
Is Viagra harmful to the heart?
Viagra is usually safe for use in patients with stable cardiovascular diseases.
Studies suggest that using Viagra does not have a link to an increased risk of heart attacks and other heart conditions.
Thus, Viagra is not harmful to the heart.
