Recent research show that the two most popular drugs used for erectile dysfunction - sildenafil and tadalafil (Viagra and Cialis respectively) significantly reduced the likelihood of progression to heart failure, myocardial infarction (MI), and death after 5 years as compared with men taking neither drug. Cialis had a more pronounced effect on all three clinical events than did Viagra.
Lead researcher Albert Ha, MD, of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City pointed out that, "Contrary to what most people believe, PDE5 inhibitors also have been shown to alter endothelial function and improve myocardial perfusion," he said. "We know there is data out there suggesting that PDE5 inhibitors lead to cardiac benefits, including improved cardiac function and possibly microvascular improvement."
E.D. is very common among men with cardiovascular disease because both conditions share issues with endothelial function – meaning the arterial surfaces are compromised and not functioning. In fact, ED is often one of the first signs of cardiovascular disease.
Believe it or not recent research has shown that the little blue pill (traditionally used for erectile dysfunction) may have another big benefit!
Alzheimer’s Disease
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic used gene mapping to identify commonly prescribed drugs that might be effective for treating Alzheimer’s Disease. Out of all the drugs identified Sildenafil (Viagra) came out on top!
This was not entirely surprising since Viagra has already been identified as a potential dementia treatment by other groups. It has been shown to significantly improve cognition and memory in preclinical models.
The researchers also found that Viagra is effective early in the disease process. “Notably, we found that sildenafil (Viagra) use reduced the likelihood of Alzheimer’s in individuals with coronary artery disease, hypertension, and type-2 diabetes – all of which are comorbidities significantly associated with the disease.”
When the researchers looked at medical records from insurance for over 7 Millions Americans to see if there was a relationship between sildenafil (Viagra) and Alzheimer’s disease outcomes. The results were impressive with Viagra users 69% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease than non-users after six years of follow-up.
Researchers emphasized that more study is needed to prove the causal relationship through clinical trials with large numbers of people.
Muscle Growth and Recovery
Tadalafil (aka Cialis), primarily known for treating erectile dysfunction, may have potential benefits for muscle growth and overall health. Recent research suggests that tadalafil could enhance muscle hypertrophy and improve various aspects of physical performance.
Tadalafil may promote muscle growth through several mechanisms:
· Improved blood flow: By enhancing circulation, tadalafil increases nutrient and oxygen delivery to muscles, potentially accelerating growth and recovery.
· Protein synthesis: Studies indicate that tadalafil may stimulate muscle protein synthesis, contributing to muscle hypertrophy.
· Reduced muscle damage: Tadalafil has been shown to decrease exercise-induced muscle damage, allowing for more frequent and intense training sessions.
Performance Enhancement
Tadalafil may offer additional benefits for athletic performance:
Increased endurance and stamina during workouts.
Faster recovery times between exercise sessions.
Potential improvements in lean mass content.
Health Benefits
Beyond muscle growth, tadalafil may provide other health advantages:
Enhanced cardiovascular function through improved blood flow.
Reduced inflammation in muscles following intense physical activity.
Possible improvements in insulin secretion and endothelial function.
While these findings are promising, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand tadalafil's effects on muscle growth and overall health. Additionally, the use of tadalafil for these purposes should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
PDE5 Side Effects
Like all drugs these drugs can have side effects and require a prescription. These side effects can include adverse effects on the eyes in rare cases. However, a review of a large insurance database showed no consistent association between PDE5 inhibitor use and ocular events.
Another side effect can be blood pressure that is lowered too much which can occur if men are also taking other blood pressure lowering drugs such as nitroglycerin.
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