Viagra can help men live longer: the blue pill prolongs life and prevents heart attacks in men with coronary artery disease, according to a study
- Scientists analyzed 18,500 men with coronary artery disease and impotence
- 16,500 used Viagra, while 2,000 received a drug called alprostadil
- Those who take Viagra are found to live longer and have a lower risk of heart attack
- The reason for the call remains 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 can also help men live longer.
The researchers tested the drug, commonly 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 an accumulation of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.
They found that men who took Viagra not only lived longer, but also had a lower risk of suffering a new heart attack.
While the reason for the call remains unclear, the researchers hope the findings will encourage men with coronary artery 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 can also help men live longer (stock image)
Impotence is often an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease in healthy men and can be treated with two types of medication.
First, men can receive an injection of alprostadil, which dilates blood vessels so that the penis hardens.
Alternatively, men can receive PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, which are taken orally and inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase5 (PDE5) in the penis, increasing blood and resulting in an erection.
PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, lower blood pressure and previously were not recommended for men with coronary artery disease due to the risk of heart attack.
However, in 2017, researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden showed that men who have already had a heart attack tolerate PDE5 inhibitors well, and that they even prolong life expectancy.
In this new follow-up study, the researchers looked at 18,500 men with stable coronary artery disease who were being treated for impotence – 16,500 of whom were taking Viagra and 2,000 who received alprostadil.
The analysis revealed that men who received Viagra lived longer and had a lower risk of 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 were less at risk of 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 who received more frequent doses of Viagra at lower risk.
Dr Martin Holzmann, who led the study, explained: ‘This suggests that there is a causal relationship, but a registry study cannot answer that question.
“It is possible that those who received PDE5 inhibitors were healthier than those who were taking alprostadil and therefore had a lower risk.
“To see if it is the drug that reduces the risk, we would need to randomly allocate patients into two groups, one who takes PDE5 and one who does not.
‘The results we have now give us a very good reason to embark on this study.’
While the reason for the connection remains unclear, the 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 United Kingdom, and a total of 15 million adults in the United States.
It is usually due to plaque and inflammation.
When plaque builds up, it narrows arteries, which slows blood flow to the heart.
Over time, this can cause angina, while a complete block can result in a heart attack.
Many people have no symptoms at first, but as the plaque builds up, they may experience chest pain or shortness of breath during exercise or under stress.
Other causes of CAD include smoking, diabetes and an inactive lifestyle.
It can be prevented by quitting smoking, controlling conditions like diabetes or hypertension, staying active, eating well and controlling stress.
The drugs can help lower cholesterol, while aspirin thins the blood to reduce the risk of clots.
In severe cases, stents can be placed in the arteries to open them, while myocardial revascularization surgery creates a graft to bypass blocked arteries using 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)