Cialis is widely known for helping men attain a fulfilling and intimate life, but can those with a heart condition benefit from this medication? What is the balance between cardiovascular health and sexual wellness?
Understanding the effects of Cialis on your body empowers you to make informed decisions about your heart health and sex life. This article will answer these important questions and discuss how someone with a heart condition can take Cialis.
Does Cialis Affect Blood Pressure?
Cialis uses vasodilation to help you stay hard. All vasodilation really means is the widening of your blood vessels. When more blood flows into the penis during arousal, it leads to a stronger erection. At its core, Cialis works by drastically improving blood flow to all areas of the body.
What do widened blood vessels mean for heart health? You see, your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The first number refers to the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats. The second number indicates the pressure in your arteries between beats.
For example, a healthy person may have a reading of 120/80 mmHg. If Cialis is taken alone, it can reduce the first number by 7 mmHg and the second by 5 mmHg for up to 12 hours. 1 While the mentioned reduction in blood pressure may not seem like much, it's enough to cause dizziness, a heart attack, or a stroke when combined with some heart condition meds. 1
What Does Cialis Do to Your Heart?
If you take prescription meds to manage your heart condition, it's important to be careful about starting Cialis. In fact, men taking drugs for their heart need to exercise caution with any ED drug, as all PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis will temporarily lower blood pressure in the process of helping you maintain an erection. 1
In healthy men, Cialis isn't known to harm the heart in any way. However, combining Cialis with meds used to treat cardiovascular conditions may result in additional symptoms. Since individual responses may vary, you must consult your doctor before taking any ED drugs if you have a heart condition.
Can Men With a Heart Condition Take Cialis?
You need to be cautious about trying Cialis if you are currently managing any cardiovascular condition. But that's not to say that men with a heart condition can't take Cialis.
Having your cardiovascular health evaluated by your doctor is the first step to ensuring Cialis is safe for you. If you've recently had a heart attack, a stroke, or a life-threatening arrhythmia, your doctor may advise against taking Cialis. However, an evaluation will help you better assess the risks and potential benefits of adding an ED drug to your regimen. You can be evaluated by a board-certified physician online through mailMymeds by placing an order and completing the questionnaire.
Then, you will need to check if your current medications interact with Cialis. If possible, your healthcare provider may help you adjust the dosage of each of your medications to reduce the risk of adverse effects. If not, your doctor may suggest alternative medications to accommodate the use of Cialis.
Finally, even after your doctor has cleared the use of Cialis with your heart condition meds, it is vital that you continuously monitor any changes in blood pressure or heart function. If you experience any symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
Those with a stable condition, such as well-controlled high blood pressure or well-managed heart disease, are more likely to be prescribed Cialis. Ultimately, you must work closely with your physician to come up with a safe, suitable, and effective treatment plan.
Common Heart Meds That Interact With Cialis
So, which common heart condition drugs are a no-go to take with Cialis? The first on the list are nitrates.
Nitrates are used to prevent chest pain and treat symptoms of heart failure. They come in pills, ointments, and sprays. Nitrates are also vasodilators. By widening your blood vessels and making it easier for oxygen-rich blood to get to your heart, nitrates can take a load off your heart, so it doesn't have to work as hard. 2
Because nitrates and Cialis both work by widening your blood vessels, taking them together will likely be problematic. Combining nitrates and Cialis can suddenly lower your blood pressure, making you feel dizzy and faint. 1
This blood pressure drop can also occur if you take Cialis alongside hypertension meds and alpha-blockers. 1 If you aren't sure whether the drugs you are taking will interact with Cialis, make sure you ask your healthcare provider first.
Cialis itself isn't known to harm a healthy heart, but its interaction with cardiovascular drugs may require dosage adjustments or alternative medications. With vigilant monitoring and a tailored treatment plan, it is possible in most cases to take Cialis if you have a heart condition. To learn more about Cialis, visit mailMymeds' dedicated Cialis blog today.
FAQs
Will Cialis benefit existing heart conditions?
While more research is needed to confirm the exact benefits of Cialis on existing heart conditions, one study showed that men who took PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis after their first heart attack had a 38% lower mortality rate. 3
Cialis may also benefit your heart health by helping you lead a more active sex life, which can contribute to your overall well-being.
Which heart medications interact with Cialis?
Blood pressure medications like nitroglycerin are known to interact with Cialis. Vasodilators, including doxazosin, alfuzosin and tamsulosin, can also cause symptoms when taken with Cialis. 1 You can exercise caution when taking heart meds with Cialis by consulting your doctor about your current drug regimen.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
