- Taking both erectile dysfunction medications and nitrates for angina (chest pain) may significantly increase the risk of cardiac events and death, a new study finds.
- Both drugs dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow, and when they function together, they may lead to a precipitous, hazardous drop in blood pressure.
- Erectile dysfunction is often an early indicator of cholesterol plaque buildup, reducing the width and blood flow capacity of blood vessels.
Men who are taking erectile dysfunction (ED) medications alongside nitrate medications for angina are at higher risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, according to a new study from Sweden.
Taking ED drugs and nitrates at the same time effectively doubles their blood-vessel dilating effects, potentially resulting in an extreme drop in blood pressure.
The study analyzed data from 61,487 men in the Swedish Patient Register. Of these men, 55,777 men were treated only with nitrates, while 5,710 men were treated with nitrates and an ED medication.
In the study, men taking both drug types together were far more likely to die. Compared to men receiving nitrates only, their risk of mortality in general increased by 39%, cardiovascular mortality by 34%, and non-cardiovascular mortality by 40%.
In addition, the same group was 72% more likely to have a heart attack, 67% more likely to experience heart failure, 95% more likely to require cardiac revascularization, and 70% more likely to experience major cardiac events.
The study is published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
While many men think of ED drugs only in the context of sexual function, it signifies more than that to cardiologists. The study’s first author Dr. Ylva Trolle Lagerros of the Karolinska Institute explained, “ED can be a clinical marker for future heart health issues.”
“It is sometimes called the harbinger for cardiovascular events,” said Dr. Lagerros.
Cardiologist Dr. Glenn N. Levine of the Baylor College of Medicine, who…
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