Viagra May Reduce Risk of Early Death — New Research Shows Surprising Health Benefits

According to a new study from the United States, Viagra may reduce men’s risk of heart disease by up to 39%. Men who take this medication could significantly lower their chances of suffering from severe cardiac conditions and early death.

Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) studied 70,000 adult men with an average age of 52, all of whom had been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives. The study suggests that using ED treatments like Viagra can substantially reduce the likelihood of severe heart disease and premature death.

How Does Viagra Protect the Heart?

Experts believe that Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the coronary arteries and improving oxygen flow throughout the body. For this reason, previous studies have also linked Viagra use to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease — which may be caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.

While these findings are promising, doctors still do not recommend taking this medication outside of a prescription. Viagra is only approved for treating erectile dysfunction. The medication works by relaxing the muscles of the penis, allowing more blood to flow into it. It also thins the blood slightly, making it easier to circulate throughout the body. When stimulated, the increased blood flow enables stronger erections.

Older men are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and other issues that thicken blood and reduce circulation. In turn, they often experience erectile difficulties because of these conditions.

What the Study Found

The latest research, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, collected data from over 70,000 men diagnosed with ED between 2006 and 2020. Using medical records, researchers identified who had taken ED medication and tracked any subsequent heart problems during follow-up.

Of these men, 23,816 used ED medication, while 48,682 did not. Researchers found that those who used the medication were less likely to develop heart problems. Overall, the number of deaths from heart disease dropped by nearly 40% among users.

• 39% lower risk of dying from heart disease
• 17% lower risk of heart failure
• 15% lower risk of needing coronary bypass surgery
• 22% lower risk of unstable angina
• 25% lower risk of early death overall

A Word of Caution

While these findings are encouraging, Viagra remains a prescription medication intended for treating ED. It should not be taken without medical supervision, especially by those with existing heart conditions or those taking nitrate medications. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

Disclaimer: This article summarises published research findings and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Study source: Journal of Sexual Medicine, USC Research.