Can I Take ED Drugs After A Heart Attack?

In this article, we will explore whether it is safe to take erectile dysfunction (also known as ED) drugs after experiencing a heart attack. We'll answer key questions on topics such as the precautions to consider when using these medications post-heart attack, the potential risks associated with the interaction between PDE5 inhibitors and nitrates and important factors to keep in mind if you're considering ED treatment after a cardiac arrest.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about whether you can take ED medications after a heart attack:

• If you've had a heart attack and are considering taking ED medications, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare provider.

• ED drugs can generally be prescribed six months after a heart attack, provided that your condition is stable.

• Combining PDE5 inhibitors (such as Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra) with nitrates is extremely dangerous because both medications significantly lower blood pressure.

• PDE5 inhibitors help relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis, aiding in achieving and maintaining an erection.

• It is important to take the most appropriate dosage of ED medication based on advice from your doctor.

Can I take ED drugs after a heart attack?

Yes, it is possible to take erectile dysfunction drugs after a heart attack, but it is important to do so under appropriate medical guidance. National guidelines suggest that ED medications can be prescribed six months after a heart attack, provided that your condition is stable. It may take several doses over time for these medications to work effectively and the dosage might need to be adjusted based on your response, according to the British Heart Foundation.

Why should you be careful when taking ED drugs after a heart attack?

You should be cautious when taking ED drugs after a heart attack because these medications can lower blood pressure by dilating the arteries. This can be particularly for people who already have low blood pressure. If you have angina or are waiting for treatment such as a stent or bypass surgery, taking ED drugs can increase the risk of experiencing chest pain during sexual activity, according to the British Heart Foundation. If this is the case you should avoid using nitrates to relieve angina if you've taken PDE5 inhibitors, a form of ED medication. This is because this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. 

Why is it so dangerous when PDE5 inhibitors and nitrates interact?

It is dangerous when PDE5 inhibitors (such as Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra) and nitrates interact because they both significantly lower blood pressure. PDE5 inhibitors work by dilating blood vessels to improve blood flow to the penis, while nitrates are used to widen the arteries and relieve chest pain (angina). When taken together, they can cause a severe and sudden drop in blood pressure which can lead to dizziness, fainting, heart attack, or even life-threatening conditions like shock, according to Harvard Health.

How do phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors work?

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), tadalafil (Cialis) and avanafil (Spedra), work by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient enough for sexual activity. These drugs block the enzyme PDE5, which breaks down a substance called cyclic GMP that promotes the relaxation of smooth muscles in blood vessels. By inhibiting PDE5, these medications allow blood vessels to remain relaxed, enhancing blood flow (Harvard Health, 2021).

What things should I consider when taking ED drugs after a heart attack?

If you have recently had a heart attack but also struggle with erectile dysfunction it can seem hard to know what to do to remain safe whilst also having a satisfying sex life. Below are some things you may wish to consider if this applies to you:

Speak to your doctor for advice

If you have recently had a heart attack and are considering using erectile dysfunction medications, it is essential to speak to your doctor for advice. Your doctor can assess whether your condition is stable enough for ED treatment, advise on safe treatment options and help manage any potential risks.

The precautions to take

When taking ED medications after a heart attack, it's important to follow specific precautions to ensure your safety. While these drugs can generally be taken alongside most heart medications, they should never be combined with nitrates, as outlined by the British Heart Foundation. This is the main precaution you should take. For advice on other precautions, you should consult with your healthcare provider.

Ensuring that you are taking the most appropriate dosage based on your doctor's advice)

To ensure you are taking the most appropriate dosage of ED medication, it is important to follow your doctor's advice. ED pills come in various strengths, and most men are advised to start with a low to moderate dose (Harvard Health, 2019). If you have had a heart attack it is vital to only use the dosage of ED pills suggested to you by your healthcare provider. 

Avoiding alcohol consumption

It is important to avoid excessive alcohol consumption when taking ED medications because both alcohol and PDE5 inhibitors can dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. You should also avoid excessive alcohol consumption if you are using nitrates for the same reason. Drinking too much alcohol while on these medications can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting (Anderson, 2024).

Sources

Can I take ED drugs after a heart attack? - Harvard Health

Do Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Drugs Interact with Alcohol? - drugs.com

Erectile dysfunction - Heart Matters magazine - BHF