Viagra Protects the Heart

Sildenafil citrate that is marketed as Viagra became a medical breakthrough when it was proven to manage, if not treat, erectile dysfunction. The medicine became an overnight sensation and was even considered by many consumers as “miracle of science.” Viagra has also gained funny street names, among which: “Agimat” or “Anting-anting” (“amulet” or “charm”).

In a study conducted by Andrea Isidori, M.D., PhD., and associates at the Sapienza University in Rome, Sildenafil or Viagra, was found to protect the heart. “We found that the main ingredient in Viagra can be used as an effective, safe treatment for several patients with heart disease,” Dr. Isidori declared. The findings on 1,622 patients who benefited from the ‘cardioprotective effect’ of Viagra were reported on BMC Medicine Journal.

In a similar study on Viagra that was conducted by Dr. Ramzi Okaili and associates; the results of which were published in volume 283(3) of the American Journal of Physiology, claim that the chemical component in Viagra that aids in blood flow to help combat erectile dysfunction, has a similar effect on the heart muscles, more particularly those of the left ventricle, wherein the chemical’s action to increase blood flow has cured patients with heart failure and various heart problems.

Researchers from the University of Manchester, England say, “Viagra could prevent heart attacks. Patients taking the male impotency drug have lower risk of having a heart attack or dying from heart failure than those not on the medication. The findings were incredibly exciting” (Dr. Andrew Trafford, University of Manchester).

At the University of Washington in Seattle, studies on the same subject, about Viagra, have concluded that 3 days of administration of the drug in patients with heart dysfunction had resulted to marked improvement or reversal of heart problems (Oct 2010, Journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).

Viagra was also given to children who are about to undergo heart surgery for congenital heart disease. The drug had decreased the percentage of mortality of aforesaid patients. The results were attributed to the enhancement and increased in heart circulation and blood flow in children, for congenital heart surgery, after the administration of Viagra (Dr. Yvonne A. Bremer, et al., Pediatric Research, 2005).

What is it in Viagra that can protect the heart?

Sildenafil or Viagra contains a chemical or inhibitor enzyme, Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) that works to relax smooth muscles, resulting to increase in blood flow and erection in patients with erectile dysfunction. PDE-5 similarly works in the main pumping chamber of the heart by increasing blood flow and circulation, resulting to a healthy and well-functioning heart. Viagra also maintains normal blood pressure.