Does Viagra Increase Your Risk of Stroke?

Why Viagra is Effective

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can affect anywhere between 18 and 47 percent of men in the U.S., with increasing incidence in men in their 50s and 60s and those of any age who have other co-morbidities like heart disease or hypertension. ¹ This is a significantly high statistic. Still, most men with ED are fairly successful in overcoming ED symptoms with Viagra (sildenafil). Taking the little blue pill 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity is recommended and assists men in achieving and maintaining an erection strong enough for penetrative sex. ²

If you have concerns about the quality and frequency of your erections, you can complete a quick online consultation to be reviewed by a U.S.A. board-certified doctor through mailMymeds. Our telemedicine service simplifies traditional doctor visits with a detailed questionnaire that ensures you receive the proper treatment for your erectile dysfunction.

Viagra is popular among men with ED because of its effectiveness. Viagra inhibits the PDE5 enzyme in your body and promotes blood flow to the penis, boosting erection strength. If you want to save money on your ED medications, you can buy Viagra online through mailMymeds.

Although it benefits ED symptoms, there are some Viagra side effects you should know. Common side effects of Viagra include vision changes, headaches, flushing and dizziness. In certain men who have a history of cardiovascular disease, Viagra may increase the risk of stroke. Nitrates, which are often prescribed for those with cardiovascular disease,  can interact with sildenafil and have potentially life-threatening outcomes. ³

How Heart Conditions Affect Viagra

Having a heart condition may determine how you take Viagra. If you have a heart condition, it’s very important to get approval before using Viagra or other ED medications. Viagra works by dilating the blood vessels in the penis, but what happens is that other blood vessels throughout your body become dilated as well. Increasing blood flow to the penis essentially results in changed blood flow body-wide, which can lower your overall blood pressure.

After a typical dose of Viagra, blood pressure tends to drop slightly. For healthy men, a temporary decrease in blood pressure is no big deal. However, those who have a heart condition and are taking nitrates may see adverse health effects occur as the result of a blood pressure drop. You see, nitrates and Viagra both serve to lower blood pressure. Combined, your blood pressure may drop to dangerous levels (hypotension), which may potentially cause dizziness, fainting, or even heart attack or stroke.

An ischemic stroke, which means a stroke caused by insufficient blood supply, is typically caused by an obstructed blood vessel that supplies the brain. But hypotension (low blood pressure due to vessel dilation) can reduce blood flow to the brain as well. If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, visual changes, numbness, or slurred speech, you may be having an ischemic stroke and should seek help promptly.

Other signs of a stroke include severe headaches and a loss of balance, or disequilibrium. A stroke can starve brain cells of oxygen and cause them to die within minutes, which is why immediate medical attention is so important for preventing permanent damage, memory loss, and paralysis. ⁴

Hypotension can also result in a cardiac arrest. Due to the dangerous interaction between nitrates and Viagra, it’s important to know whether your treatment plan includes nitrates. ⁵

Common Nitrates to Avoid

If you are a man with heart disease, who takes nitrates, be sure to talk with your doctor before considering Viagra or any PDE5 inhibitor.

This is especially true when taking a brand-name version of a medication because it can be difficult to tell if you are taking nitrates. If you have a heart condition and wish to know whether nitrates are part of your treatment plan, here are a few things you should know.

If you have been prescribed one of the following, taking Viagra may increase your risk of complications:

• Nitroglycerin
• Isosorbide mononitrate
• Isosorbide dinitrate
• Adempas (riociguat)
• Amlodipine
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Lisinopril
• Losartan
• Tamsulosin

In addition to these prescription meds, certain recreational drugs like butyl nitrate and amyl nitrate (commonly called “poppers”) can interact with Viagra. There are many other options that can help improve your erections. ⁵

There are many other options that can help improve your erections. ⁵. For example, a penis pump is a non-invasive way of achieving an erection. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and addressing any testosterone deficiencies can also improve the health of your sexual organs. 

Viagra and Stroke Risk

The bottom line is that a Viagra dosage doesn’t increase stroke risk in healthy men but may increase stroke risk in men with cardiovascular conditions due to drug interactions. Before starting Viagra (sildenafil), make sure your telemedicine doctor knows about any other health condition you have so that you can avoid all potential contraindications and reduce your risk of stroke.

FAQs

How effective is Viagra?

Most men experience reliable and consistent results with Viagra. The benefits of Viagra kick in quickly, getting you ready for sex in as little as 30 minutes after taking a dose. Viagra stays effective for around 4 hours. To maximize Viagra's effectiveness, we recommend taking it on an empty stomach to increase absorption.

What are nitrates, and why do they interact with Viagra?

Nitrates are a type of medication often prescribed for heart conditions. They interact with Viagra because both meds lower blood pressure. When taken with Viagra, nitrate-related medications can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, leading to symptoms like blurred vision, nausea, and light-headedness, as well as other more serious effects.

Does Viagra increase my risk of stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or blocked. Since PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra work by dilating your blood vessels and increasing overall blood flow, it's unlikely Viagra will increase your risk of stroke. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about stroke risk and Viagra use.

How do I get Viagra safely online?

Getting Viagra safely online is easy and convenient with Mail My Meds. First, you choose your dose and complete a medical questionnaire. When we've assessed your answers, a board-licensed physician will write you an appropriate prescription. After completing your order, all that's left to do is wait for delivery! 

Is Viagra safe for men with heart conditions?

Your accuracy when filling out the online questionnaire will ensure we have all the necessary medical information to write a safe prescription. If you have a history of cardiovascular health problems, you may need to use Viagra with caution. Each person is different, so it's important to speak with your doctor about Viagra use before starting ED treatment.

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 condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.