Viagra 'may aid heart health'

21 October 2014 14:10

Viagra could be used to treat heart patients, according to research

Viagra could be used to treat heart patients, according to research

Viagra could be an ef fective and safe treatment for patients with heart disease, researchers say.

The drug used to treat male impotency has been found to protect the heart from harmful changes, particularly in left ventricular hypertrophy patients.

Trials showed the pill's active ingredient helped prevent thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber, which occurs when the organ has been overworked, thus rendering the heart unable to pump blood around the body.

Italian lead researcher Dr Andrea Isidori, from Sapienza University in Rome, said clinical trials are now "urgently needed" to back up their data and discover if the same conclusions can be made in female patients.

The findings reinforce the evidence that medications can help a patient control their heart condition and should not be put off taking a break.

As well as ensuring pre-existing medical travel insurance is arranged in case any treatment is sought while away from home, people with a heart condition may also like to consider:

:: accommodation that is easily accessible and close to amenities;

:: a relaxing destination in a flat area that isn't too hot or cold;

:: being sure to carry an up to date list of medication, as well as enough medication to last the entire trip.

The researchers analysed data from 1,622 patients for the latest study, and found the enzyme inhibitor PDE5i also had no unfavourable effect on blood pressure.

 

 

 

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