Sildenafil Dramatically Increases Sympathetic Activation

Although MI, arrhythmias, and death have been reported following use of sildenafil (Viagra), an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, the drug has not been linked . . .

Although MI, arrhythmias, and death have been reported following use of sildenafil (Viagra), an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, the drug has not been linked directly to cardiovascular sequelae. Data on the hemodynamic effects of sildenafil are available (see JWC Sep 2000, p. 76, accession number 000804002, and N Engl J Med 2000; 342:1622); these investigators further explored its neurocirculatory effects at rest and under stressful conditions.

In a prospective, double-blind, crossover study, 14 healthy volunteers were randomized to receive either a single oral dose of sildenafil (100 mg) or placebo on 2 separate days. Blood pressure, heart rate, forearm vascular resistance (FVR), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), and pl…

Reviewing Author

H Calkins