Can Viagra Cause A Stroke? – Introduction
Among the most widely used drugs prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction is the drug Viagra or sildenafil. It works by enhancing blood flow to the penis, allowing men to form and maintain an erection. Despite being effective for erectile dysfunction, it has been hotly debated whether or not it causes strokes.
To appreciate the possible correlation between Viagra and stroke, let’s start by explaining what a stroke is. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage (an ischemic stroke) or a tear in a blood vessel (a hemorrhagic stroke). When the brain doesn’t have enough blood and oxygen, brain cells start to degenerate, which can have long-term implications for a person’s physical and mental functioning.
One of the greatest concerns about Viagra and stroke is that it increases blood pressure. Viagra relaxes the body’s blood vessels, including the penis. This tension increases blood flow that is essential for a erection. But the relaxation also lowers blood pressure, which can be harmful for those with cardiovascular or high blood pressure conditions.
Studies
Research indicates that a tiny percentage of people have a stroke when taking Viagra. According to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, men who took Viagra had a slightly higher risk of a stroke within the first few hours of taking the drug. But this risk was relatively modest, at just 0.9 strokes per 1,000 person-years.
A different report, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, found no significant risk of stroke between men who took Viagra and those who didn’t. Neither did the study discover that Viagra had any additional risk of stroke among men with cardiovascular disease who had used it before.
While these studies suggest that there is a small risk of developing a stroke while taking Viagra, it is important to note that there may be other factors at play.
Several factors may contribute to the risk of stroke in men taking Viagra. These include:
1. Underlying Medical Conditions:
One possibility involves an illness in the background. The majority of Viagra users have underlying conditions (heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes) that can make them susceptible to stroke. Also, the same health conditions can trigger ED as well, which is why you get Viagra. So, it might be hard to tell whether Viagra use alone explains the rise in stroke risk, or if this is simply a reflection of the presence of these health conditions.
2. Use of Other Medications:
Another possible cause could be taking other drugs in addition to Viagra. Many Viagra users are also taking other drugs, including blood thinners, that increase the risk of stroke. Indeed, a 2008 paper in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reported that using Viagra alongside blood-thinning drugs increased stroke risk. So physicians should closely monitor patients taking Viagra in combination with other medications, in order to keep stroke risk low.
3. Lifestyle Factors:
In addition, Viagra users could have lifestyle factors that lead to stroke. For instance, smoking, drinking and physical inactivity have all been associated with stroke. These same lifestyle choices can lead to ED, which is why Viagra is used. Therefore, healthcare professionals should educate patients about the need to modify lifestyle behaviors (including smoking cessation and increased physical activity) in order to decrease stroke risk.
4. Age:
The other major factor that can impact stroke risk among Viagra-taking men is age. Naturally, the risk of stroke increases as we get older – in proportion to the different changes to the body due to age, from decreased elasticity in blood vessels to rising blood pressure. More elderly individuals might already be at risk for predispositions that would raise the probability further.
As for Viagra, it should be taken very carefully to prescribe it to older men who might already be considered at risk of cardiovascular disease. A doctor needs to evaluate a person’s risk based on age, and then give safe doses of Viagra, especially if you’re over 65 years old.
5. Cardiovascular Disease:
Stroke’s primary threat is an underlying cardiovascular disorder, and Viagra for men who suffer from high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or heart failure are more likely to have stroke because Viagra is a vasodilator-a medicine that increases blood flow and can therefore be dangerous in perpetuating such a cardiovascular disorder.
The connection between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease is a multifaceted issue that needs to be explored. We should not recommend the use of Viagra without first consulting patients about their cardiovascular health, as restoring sexual function would not lead to vascular problems.
Aside from that, the FDA has not yet written a warning about Viagra use and its potential role in stroke. Viagra is a medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and it is considered a safe and effective drug when administered as prescribed.
Conclusion: Can Viagra Cause A Stroke?
Bottom line While the evidence supports a slight stroke risk with Viagra, I’d guess that the risk is very small. Either way, a man should always ask a doctor about his history and risk factors before he attempts to take Viagra or any other drugs. It is also very important to take the medication as prescribed by your physician so as to keep the risks down.
