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Effect of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) on coronary flow in normal subjects

Fuminobu Ishikura1, Shintaro Beppu, Hiroaki Ueda

  • 1School of Allied Health Sciences, Osaka University, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan. ishikura@sahs.med.osaka-u.ac.jp

Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|January 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) increased coronary artery blood flow in healthy men without affecting blood pressure. This study suggests sildenafil is safe for the heart in normal subjects.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular pharmacology
  • Clinical research

Background:

  • Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is widely used for erectile dysfunction.
  • Its effects on coronary function in healthy individuals require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of sildenafil citrate on coronary artery function in healthy male volunteers.
  • To determine if sildenafil citrate affects systemic blood pressure in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Six healthy male volunteers received a 50 mg dose of sildenafil citrate.
  • Coronary artery blood flow (LAD flow velocity) was measured using Doppler imaging.
  • Blood pressure and echocardiographic variables were monitored at baseline and at 30 and 60 minutes post-administration.

Main Results:

  • A significant increase in the mean velocity of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery flow was observed 60 minutes after sildenafil citrate administration.
  • No significant changes were noted in mean blood pressure or other echocardiographic parameters.
  • Mild, transient side effects (flushing, headache) were reported by two volunteers.

Conclusions:

  • Sildenafil citrate induced vasodilation in the coronary arteries of healthy subjects without causing systemic hypotension.
  • The findings indicate that sildenafil citrate does not exert negative cardiovascular effects in normal individuals.
Abstract

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