Viagra is an anti-erectile dysfunction medication that was developed by Pfizer and approved by the FDA in 1998. The drug works by enhancing increased blood flow towards the penile region resulting in an erection during sexual arousal.
Now a number of clinical studies published in reputable journals show that the little blue pill can also reduce the risk of heart diseases in healthy individuals.*
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An article published in the BMC Medicine Journal had found that Viagra can prevent the thickening of the heart muscle and thereby reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Viagra contains the active ingredient Sildenafil Citrate that is a phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE5i). It’s not surprising that the researchers had found that Viagra could reduce the risk of heart disease considering the fact that it was originally tested for angina pectoris – a heart disease – during the early clinical trials. However, the medication’s effectiveness in treating the disease was found to be modest.
The focus of the drug had shifted once patients had reported side effects of improved erections. Soon after, the drug was approved by the drug regulatory authorities for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
It is only now that the benefits of the pill in reducing the risk of a heart attack are being revealed by the clinical studies. Apart from that, some studies have found that the drug can also reduce the symptoms of urinary tract infection as well as pulmonary arterial hypertension.
The medical interest of the drug is thus growing in the field of urology and andrology for the treatment of bladder disorders, pulmonary hemodynamics, Raynaud’s disease, and also in its properties to protect the brain in case of an ischemic injury.
The studies conducted on animals have shown that Viagra prevents thickening of the heart muscles. The drug is said to provide antifibrotic and antihypertrophic ingredients that can protect the heart against different types of disorders.
A small number of studies have also shown that the Pfizer’s blue pill can also improve the cardiac performance and the geometry during the clinical conditions that include myocardial infarction, heart failure, and diabetic cardiomyopathy.
The results of the clinical studies show that Viagra has the potential to improve the quality of health of millions of people all over the world. The studies about the effects of the drug are ongoing and it is expected that more insightful information about the drug will be determined in the future.
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before taking Viagra for treating heart or sexual disorders. The doctor can assess the health condition and prescribe the right dosage of the drug. Taking more than the recommended dosage is dangerous that can result in serious side effects.
* This article is for information purposes only and is based on a research study. It is not advice of any kind recommending to take Viagra or any anti-erectile dysfunction medication. Always consult with a medical professional before taking any medications.