Sildenafil-triggered multi-culprit ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a case report.
Byung Woo Yoon1,2, Ji Yeon Hong3
1Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Paik Hospital, 04551 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine
|April 1, 2021
Summary
Sildenafil citrate, used for erectile dysfunction, can rarely trigger myocardial infarction in individuals without prior heart disease. This case highlights the need for physician awareness of potential underlying cardiovascular issues when prescribing the drug.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sildenafil citrate is a common treatment for erectile dysfunction.
- Myocardial infarction (MI) associated with sildenafil is rare, particularly in patients without pre-existing coronary artery disease.
Observation:
- A case report of a 40-year-old man with significant smoking and alcohol history but no known cardiovascular disease presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
- The STEMI occurred shortly after the patient ingested sildenafil citrate.
Findings:
- This case suggests sildenafil citrate can precipitate acute myocardial infarction in susceptible individuals.
- The drug may unmask previously undiagnosed cardiovascular conditions.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider underlying cardiovascular risks before prescribing sildenafil citrate.
- Increased recreational use of sildenafil necessitates greater physician vigilance for potential cardiac events.
- Screening for cardiovascular risk factors is crucial even in younger patients using sildenafil without a prescription.
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