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Erectile Dysfunction Goes Along with Hypertension

May 7, 2007

- International Journal of Impotence Research –

Patients with the increased blood pressure are in greater risk to develop erectile dysfunction (ED); on the other hand, patients suffering from ED may also have hypertension. Modern anti-impotence drugs, such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis can be effectively and safely used by patients, who also take anti-hypertensive medications. However, taking nitrates and ED pills still remains a taboo. These are the main conclusions of the recent analyses, performed by Dr. R. Kloner from the Heart Institute and published in the May/June issue of the International Journal of Impotence Research.

Is there any association between erectile dysfunction and hypertension?

The author of the mentioned medical work analyzed data from several studies to find the actual rate of association between erectile dysfunction and hypertension. In fact, hypertension has always been considered one of the factors, contributing to the development of impotence in men. This suggestion was proved by many scientists. Thus, one of the studies showed that as many as 68.3% of hypertensive patients suffered from some degree of erectile dysfunction (by the way, the majority of those people suffered from the severe impotence, and the minority suffered from either mild or moderate ED).

Dr. R. Kloner mentions in his work the data from another study, which also shows the increased rate of erectile dysfunction (about 67%) among the patients with hypertension. It is important to note, that this study also showed that the frequency and severity of impotence symptoms could be even more increased if a patient suffers from diabetes along with hypertension.

That is why, the author of the given analyses recommends all the people with hypertension to be screened for erectile dysfunction symptoms; as well as those, diagnosed with ED, should undergo additional check of their blood pressure.

Do Viagra-like medications influence blood pressure?

Another conclusion of Dr. R. Kloner refers to the use of erectile dysfunction drugs and their potential influence on human blood pressure. After reviewing certain clinical studies results, the scientist confirmed that sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) do influence the blood pressure. To be more precise, the ED pills reduce hypertension.

Though the reduction of blood pressure under the influence of ED pills was rather insignificant, it is interesting to note, that Cialis was said to be more potent in reducing the blood pressure in comparison with the other anti-impotence medications.

Is it safe and effective to take ED medications along with anti-hypertensive pills?

The answer for this question given by Dr. R. Kloner is “yes”. In fact, the scientists studied the efficacy and safety of ED therapy in patients, who also received multiple medications against the increased blood pressure. The results of the study showed that the effectiveness and safety of anti-impotence drugs did not alter significantly when used by men on anti-hypertensive medications and in general population.

The studies showed that all the medications, sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) were effective in treating impotence in men taking anti-hypertensive medications. ED drugs worked effectively even in those patients, who received thiazide diuretics – medications against high blood pressure, which themselves were associated with the development of erectile dysfunction in patients, treated with this type of medicines.

Finally, it should be noted that Dr. R. Kloner notes in his research that the use of ED medications does not influence the rate or severity of anti-hypertensive medications’ side effects. At the same time, the scientist noted once more that none of the ED pills can be used simultaneously with organic nitrates in view of the potential life-threatening adverse reaction, caused by such combined therapy.

Nick

External resources
http://www.nature.com/ijir/journal/v19/n3/full/3901527a.html#The-association-...