Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Viagra for Angina

I was diagnose with clogged arteries over a year ago.  I even had a stent put in because one of my arteries was ecluded.  I still had stable angina every time I did some for of cardio activity or is I ate something with sodium.  I started using Nitroglycerin patches and even have the pills just in case my angina episode occurs.  

I had a date and I read online that you can't take viagra and any nitrates cause it can drop your blood pressure really low.  So I stopped using my nitroglycerin for about 48 hours so I can take the Viagra.  I noticed that I wasn't having chest pains a few hours after I took the viagra.  Then I didn't have angina for over a day.  Once I felt a little chest pain, I took another viagra and no angina.  I've been taken viagra for over 2 weeks and no angina.  I even have been doing cardio with no chest pain whatsoever.  I told my cardiologist this, but she says that it was not good and I should stop immediately and start using the nitrates again.  But she didn't give me a good reason to stop.  I have no angina whatsoever.  I was wondering has anyone else tried this?  If so, have you found any pros or cons?  I can't find anything and I've read that viagra was originally to prevent angina.  I want to keep taking the viagra but I don't want to damage the heart either,  Help please.  Thanks
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Question: Is sildenafil (Viagra) safe with nitroglycerin tablets?

Answer: Well, Viagra is not safe at all in the presence of nitroglycerin tablets and in fact, we know that if anyone takes Viagra with nitroglycerin tablets, that the blood pressure can be lowered precipitously and can be lowered to such levels as can be extraordinarily dangerous to you.   [ABC News report from May 2008 - Internet]

As we know, not everyone experiences negative side effects from every medication.  However, you may be playing Russian Roulette with your life if you continue to fly in the face of your doctor's warning.

I thought Viagra originally was to lower high blood pressure but it was found to increase/prolong the sex drive - as a side effect!

My questions to you are:  how old are you?  what is your weight?  how healthful is your diet?  do you exercise regularly?

You may be able to strengthen your heart by following a more healthful regimen.  It can't hurt to take a hard look at your lifestyle and see where improvements are called for.

I am a 76-year-old female with CHF, COPD, diabetes.  I carry nitroglycerin and an inhaler but have weaned myself to using each less frequently.  I walk, watch my diet, keep an eye on any weight gain, and rest when my body calls for it.  

Viagra is not an option for me; if it were, I'd heed the warnings and look for something safer.  Not that sex is part of my life since my husband's death nine years ago.

Good luck!

Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thank you so much for response.  Just for the record, I am not taking Viagra and nitrates at the same time.  This is just a one time deal where I got off the nitrates for 48 hours so I can use viagra for sex.  I haven't use the nitrates or viagra for a few day and yes, you are correct i have to change my lifestule.  I'm 47, my weight is 255 lbs and I don't eat meat.  I have to start exercising regularly.  You are absolutely correct.  I stopped taking the viagra and I wish you all the luck in the world.  

You are reading content posted in the Angina Community

Popular Resources
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.