However, when used as directed and with the recommended precautions, Viagra is not normally associated with heart attacks or strokes. In fact, documented cases of Viagra causing strokes are typically associated with overuse and abuse of Viagra.
Viagra helps stimulate erections by increasing levels of cGMP -- which is also involved in blood clotting. Therefore, by increasing levels of cGMP, Viagra may actually increase the risk of blood clots, according to the researchers.
It is also known that sildenafil acts on phosphodiesterase-1, -2 and -5 receptors. This act leads to a secondary increase in intracerebral circulation and vasodilator effects and ultimately leads to sympathetic overactivity, which increases the risk of intracranial bleeding [8,9].
The problem is their effect on arteries. All arteries, not just those in the penis, generate nitric oxide, so any artery can widen in response to Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis, causing blood pressure to drop temporarily by 5-8 mmHg, even in healthy men.
Well, no. Although many people speculate that Viagra can cause heart attacks, there is no official documented evidence of such an adverse event. However, men with existing heart conditions and those who are taking heart medications should avoid or exercise caution when taking erectile dysfunction drugs.
Viagra has been shown to be safe in stable cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Although many have looked, there has been no clear evidence that Viagra is associated with increased rate of heart attacks or cardiovascular events.
Sildenafil, a popular medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, may increase the severity of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), according to new data published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, is most famously sold under the name Viagra.
For example, Viagra can cause prolonged erection. If not treated, this can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction. Viagra can also cause a serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
Does Viagra interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin or Xarelto? There's no known interaction between Viagra and blood thinners, such as warfarin or Xarelto (rivaroxaban). Warfarin and Xarelto are used to treat or help prevent conditions such as blood clots in the body.
Is Viagra a blood thinner? Similarly, some men believe that Viagra acts as a blood thinner, but this isn't the case. Viagra works by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE-5, which causes the loss of an erection following intercourse, but often accidentally triggers ED in older men.
Can I take Viagra if I have high blood pressure? For many patients with hypertension, taking Viagra and other ED medication – such as Stendra, Cialis, and Levitra – is safe, effective, and appropriate.
Some potential side effects of Viagra are headache, runny or blocked nose, or a nosebleed. Some men feel lightheaded or dizzy. In rare cases, Viagra can cause fainting. Some men taking PDE5 inhibitors report back or muscle pain.
Viagra is a popular medication that's used to help you achieve and maintain an erection — but it only works if you're aroused. You can take Viagra 30 minutes to up to 4 hours before sexual activity, but it shouldn't be taken more than once daily.
Typically, an average erection may last from a few minutes to roughly half an hour. However, this can vary significantly due to the many factors that can affect erection duration. It is also worth noting that a person does not need an erection to achieve orgasm.
Their case report links the 70-year-old man's intracerebral hemorrhage, a kind of stroke, to his decision to take 40 milligrams of tadalafil (Cialis)—twice the dose he had been prescribed and four times the standard dose of that erectile dysfunction drug.
A headache is one of the most common side effects of taking Viagra. Strategies like switching medications, lowering your dose, and taking pain medications can help reduce headaches.
Sildenafil interacts with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) expressed in the endothelium and/or smooth muscle cells of brain vessels and also crosses the blood-brain barrier to interact with PDE5 expressed in brain cells.
Are strokes common side effects of Viagra? No — not by a long shot. For most healthy guys, the most common adverse side effects to worry about with Viagra are headaches, flushing, indigestion, changes in vision, back pain, nausea, dizziness, nasal congestion, rash and muscle pain.
Gorelick discussed the stroke risk associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, vitamin E, statins, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and testosterone replacement therapy. “These drugs have a small risk of stroke, but there is a risk of stroke,” said Dr. Gorelick.
Ischaemic strokes can often be treated using injections of a medicine called alteplase, which dissolves blood clots and restores blood flow to the brain. This use of "clot-busting" medicine is known as thrombolysis.
The most well-known of these is Viagra, and other brand names include Cialis, Levitra and Spedra. However, these should be avoided for the first three months after stroke and until your blood pressure is under control.
The coadministration of nitrates and Viagra significantly increases the risk of potentially life-threatening hypotension. Therefore, Viagra should not be prescribed to patients receiving any form of nitrate therapy.
Nothing much would happen if someone without erectile dysfunction took Viagra, although they might think they feel better psychologically. But it would make a difference if you took it along with other drugs.