Viagra could help men live longer: Blue Pill prolongs life and prevents heart attacks in men with coronary heart disease, according to a study
- The scientists analyzed 18,500 men with coronary artery disease and impotence
- 16,500 had Viagra, while 2,000 received a drug called alprostadil
- Those with Viagra were found to live longer and have a lower risk of heart attack
- The reason for the link is still unclear, although researchers hope the findings will encourage follow-up studies.
It is known for its beneficial effects in the bedroom and now a new study suggests that Viagra could also help men live longer.
The researchers tested the drug, often known as the “blue pill,” in men with coronary artery disease, a condition that causes the heart’s blood supply to be blocked or interrupted by the accumulation of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.
They found that men taking Viagra not only lived longer, but also had a lower risk of suffering a new heart attack.
Although the reason for the link is still unclear, researchers hope the findings will encourage men with coronary heart disease to discuss the possibility of taking Viagra with their doctor.
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It is known for its beneficial effects in the bedroom and now a new study suggests that Viagra could also help men live longer (stock image)
Impotence is usually an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease in healthy men and can be treated with two types of medications.
First, men can be offered an injection of alprostadil, which dilates blood vessels to allow the penis to cool.
Alternatively, it can be offered to men with PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, which are taken orally and inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase5 (PDE5) in the penis, increasing blood flow and resulting in an erection.
PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, lower blood pressure and were previously not recommended for men with coronary artery disease due to the risk of a heart attack.
However, in 2017, researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden showed that men who have previously had a heart attack tolerate PDE5 inhibitors well and that it even prolongs life expectancy.
In this new follow-up study, researchers analyzed 18,500 men with stable coronary heart disease who were treated for impotence: 16,500 of whom had Viagra and 2,000 who received alprostadil.
The analysis revealed that men who received Viagra lived longer and had a lower risk of suffering a new heart attack, heart failure, balloon dilation, and bypass surgery than those who received alprostadil.
The analysis revealed that men who received Viagra lived longer and had a lower risk of suffering a new heart attack, heart failure, balloon dilation, and bypass surgery than those who received alprostadil.
This effect appeared to be dose-dependent, with those taking more frequent doses of Viagra at the lowest risk.
Dr Martin Holzmann, who led the study, explained: “This suggests that there is a causal relationship, but a record study cannot answer this question.
“It is possible that those who received PDE5 inhibitors were healthier than those on alprostadil and therefore had a lower risk.
“To determine if the drug is the one that reduces the risk, we should randomly assign patients to two groups, one taking PDE5 and one not.
“The results we have now give us very good reasons to undertake this study.”
Although the reason for the link is still unclear, researchers hope the findings will encourage more men to consider taking Viagra.
Dr. Hozmann added, “Potency problems are common in older men and now our study also shows that PDE5 inhibitors can protect against heart attacks and prolong life.”
In the UK, Viagra is available on the NHS, as a private prescription, at a pharmacy or even online.
WHAT IS CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE?
Coronary artery disease occurs when the main blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart are damaged.
CAD affects more than 1.6 million men and one million women in the UK and a total of 15 million adults in the US.
It is usually due to plaque and inflammation.
When plaque builds up, it narrows the arteries, which decreases blood flow to the heart.
Over time, this can cause angina pectoris, while a complete blockage can cause a heart attack.
Many people show no symptoms at first, but as the plaque builds up they may notice chest pain or shortness of breath when they exercise or stress.
Other causes of CAD are smoking, diabetes and an inactive lifestyle.
It can be prevented by quitting smoking, controlling conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, staying active, eating well and controlling stress.
Medications can help lower cholesterol, while aspirin dilutes the blood to reduce the risk of clots.
In severe cases, stents can be placed in the arteries to open them, while coronary bypass surgery creates a graft to prevent the arteries from being blocked by a vessel from another part of the body.
Coronary artery disease occurs when the main blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart are damaged (artist’s impression)