No, Viagra does not generally cause a heart attack, but it is not suitable for men with certain health conditions. According to the Harvard Health website, Viagra is safe for men that do not have cardiovascular disease. Viagra can give rise to several side effects in some men. These side effects may include headache, diarrhea, back pain, nasal congestion, facial flushing, and temporary vision changes.
Viagra pills are used for relieving the difficulties of erectile dysfunction (ED), which stems from a lack of blood flow to the penile arteries. Viagra boosts the blood flow to the Penile arteries and helps men in getting stronger erections. Individuals that do not have any underlying health condition and are perfectly healthy can use these medications to improve their erection function. But those who have heart-related diseases must be careful.
Risks of using Viagra in men with cardiovascular diseases
The reason why the effects of Viagra pills can prove to be dangerous in some men is, it can decrease blood pressure due to its ability to increase the blood flow through vasodilation. Vasodilation causes the expansion of vascular passages, and it reduces blood pressure. The systemic blood pressure drops to a significant level.
A potential drop in blood pressure because of Viagra can remain for some time but the risk increases. The heart will have to work harder and faster to get the blood pumped throughout the body. If the blood pressure remains low for a prolonged duration and it happens persistently, then it can lead to heart failure or permanent damage to the heart. Low blood pressure can also contribute to stroke.
Those with heart ailments and cardiovascular disorders might instantly suffer due to the sudden fall in their blood pressure levels. This is why they must talk to their healthcare providers before consuming any medication for relieving their impotence issues. This will prevent the risk of life-threatening events.
Even if the healthcare provider prescribes Viagra to an individual having cardiovascular disorder, the lowest dose will be suggested. They will examine the condition and severity of cardiovascular disease. If it is mild, they might prescribe Viagra with a low dose.
How does Viagra work?
Viagra pills come in the form of conventional tablets, that need to be swallowed with some water, an hour before engaging in a sexual activity. The effects of these pills remain for around 4 to 5 hours after consumption. These pills must be used as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
These are composed using Sildenafil Citrate, which is an active component that is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 is the enzyme that blocks the nitric oxide release in the penile blood vessels, which gives rise to impotence issues.
Sildenafil Citrate
The Sildenafil Citrate component successfully stops the action of PDE5 enzymes and causes the release of Nitric oxide (NO) into the walls of penile arteries. Nitric oxide relieves the tensions in the arteries and expands them to allow more blood to flow inside them. In this way, Viagra pills manage constriction, vasodilation, and an increase of blood flow in the penile shaft, which helps in attaining and sustaining stronger erections.
This rise in the blood flow due to expansion and vasodilation reduces blood pressure. But in the case of people with heart disease and cardiovascular disorders, Viagra will improve the erection function by increasing blood flow to the penile, but apart from the penile, the effects of Viagra also cause vasodilation in other parts. A drop in blood pressure will increase the risk of heart damage.
Who Can Use Viagra?
Viagra drugs are designed just for men that are experiencing difficulties with their erection function. Those who do not have erectile dysfunction should not use them unnecessarily. These are for adult men only. Its use is not recommended among teenagers, because it can give rise to health issues.
Also, these pills are used to address erectile dysfunction problems, hence women should never consume them, as these are formulated only for men to improve their erection function. These medicines are not suitable to be consumed by anyone other than adult men. The pills must be kept away from the reach of pets and children.
Side effects of Viagra pills
The effect of Viagra can give rise to mild symptoms that include – headache, flushing, rash, upset stomach, indigestion, muscle pain, stiffness, nosebleeds, and blurred vision. These symptoms disappear soon after the effects of the drug start to fade. Also, the interaction of alcohol with Viagra pills is unsafe.
