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VIAGRA (SILDENAFIL) AND HEART ATTACKS
With aging, most men find it increasingly more difficult to achieve and maintain erections. Many turn to Viagra (2), but some are concerned whether it can cause a heart attack (3).
Of the first 6 million prescriptions for Viagra, 130 deaths were reported by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Seventy-seven of the men had documented heart attacks. 19 were felt to be associated with taking nitroglycerin, a drug that, like Viagra lowers blood pressure (1).
Viagra should not be taken with nitroglycerin because the combination can lower blood pressure too much. For men with normal blood pressure, the recommended dose of 25 to 100 mg does not lower blood pressure significantly and has no effect on heart rate. Men who have heart disease are at increased risk for suffering heart attacks with any increase in activity such as exercise and making love. Those with known or suspected heart disease may benefit from taking an exercise electrocardiogram soon after taking Viagra, to check how much excitement and sexual activity their hearts can tolerate.
1)A Kloner, RM Zusman.Cardiovascular effects of sildenafil citrate and recommendations for its use.American Journal of Cardiology, 1999, Vol 84, Iss 5B, Sp. Iss. SI, pp 11N-17N.
2) H Padma Nathan. A new era in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.American Journal of Cardiology, 1999, Vol 84, Iss 5B, Sp. Iss. SI, pp 18N-23N.
3) JE Muller.Sexual activity as a trigger for cardiovascular events: What is the risk?American Journal of Cardiology, 1999, Vol 84, Iss 5B, Sp. Iss. SI, pp 2N-5N.
4) HA Taylor.Sexual activity and the cardiovascular patient: Guidelines.American Journal of Cardiology, 1999, Vol 84, Iss 5B, Sp. Iss. SI, pp 6N-10N.
Reported 10/11/99; checked 8/31/05