viagra and a racing heart

  my husband took a viagra last night and had a racing heart all night...I say it's the viagra and he says it the wine (2-3 glasses)...does viagra cause a racing heart beat?

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

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Dear Mary
The racing heart could be from the wine, the sex, or the excitement. Or it could be a problem with his heart. Viagra should not cause a racing heart by itself. Before taking it again, however, he should be evaluated by his doctor. Actually, he should be evaluated by his doctor even if he does not plan to take it again - the heart racing all night worries me.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.