What effects does Viagra have on blood pressure? Viagra, also known as sildenafil citrate, is a medication commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). One of the concerns regarding its use is its potential impact on blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are especially concerned. Research and medical advice provide valuable insights into this matter.
Medical Perspective
Effects of viagra on blood pressure have interested health researchers since the lates 1990s. The 1999 study by the US researchers, “Use of Sildenafil (Viagra) in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease“, established that Sildenafil administration is related to reductions in blood pressure. The researchers compared with placebo and arrived to the result of as much as 8/5 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic values). A 2001 study published on PubMed examined the effects of sildenafil citrate on blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive men. The results indicated that sildenafil caused small, clinically insignificant reductions in ambulatory blood pressure in both normotensive and hypertensive men. The study suggested that when used in accordance with prescribing information and treatment guidelines, sildenafil should be safe for men with or without hypertension.
However, there opposite results as well, though moderate. In 2005, the study that was released under the media title “Viagra blunts effects of stress on the human heart”, concluded that Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) reduces the stimulatory effects of hormonal stress on the heart by half. It resulted in a smaller increase in blood flow and blood pressure generated by the heart in response to chemical stimulation.
In 2016, a study done in Brazil as a placebo-controlled, crossover trial, concluded that acute Sildenafil use reduced 24‐Hour Blood Pressure Levels in patients with resistant hypertension. The researchers stated that acute intake of sildenafil improves hemodynamic parameters, reducing mean blood pressure levels.
Considerations for High Blood Pressure Patients
The Mayo Clinic suggests that pill forms of ED medications, including Viagra, are generally considered safe for men with high blood pressure who are otherwise in good health. However, it is important to note that these medicines may not be suitable for men with severe heart disease. Additionally, the use of ED medications should be carefully evaluated based on the specific type of high blood pressure medication an individual is taking.
Viagra and Blood Pressure Expert Advice
According to Dr. Keith Roach, a medical professional consulted in a Times Colonist article, Viagra does lower blood pressure by a few points. Individuals with stable blood pressure, good overall health, and who are more than six months out from a stroke, there may not be a need to stop taking the pill. Also, his advice emphasizes the importance of individual health status and medical history in determining the suitability of ED medication for people with high blood pressure.
The decision of whether individuals with high blood pressure can take Viagra should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering their overall health status, specific high blood pressure medication, and individual risk factors. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the most suitable treatment for erectile dysfunction while managing high blood pressure.
