{"id":3278,"date":"2017-01-16T22:40:37","date_gmt":"2017-01-16T22:40:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.viamedic.com\/blog\/?p=3278"},"modified":"2025-01-08T17:18:26","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T10:18:26","slug":"viagra-halves-risk-of-heart-death-in-men-with-type-2-diabetes-study-shows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction\/viagra\/viagra-halves-risk-of-heart-death-in-men-with-type-2-diabetes-study-shows\/","title":{"rendered":"Viagra Halves Risk of Heart Death in Men with Type 2 Diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Viagra\"
Type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease, but taking a PED5 inhibitor can reduce the likelihood of an adverse cardiac episode.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once again, the benefits of the oral erectile dysfunction medications known as PDE5 inhibitors have been found to extend well beyond male sexual function. A large-scale British study shows that men with type 2 diabetes significantly reduced their risk of heart attack when they regularly took Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or one of the other PDE5 inhibitors.<\/p>\n

This is a particularly important finding because the incidence of heart attack among type 2 diabetics is almost 50 percent higher than it is among nondiabetics. And the good news doesn’t stop there. The U.K. study also determined that type 2 diabetics who take PDE5 inhibitors are much more likely to survive if they should experience a heart attack.<\/p>\n

Cardiac Benefits Not Surprising<\/b><\/p>\n

The cardiac benefits of these drugs is not altogether surprising. After all, sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra<\/a>, the first of the PDE5 inhibitors to hit the market, was originally studied as a possible treatment for angina, a painful condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to the heart. While sildenafil’s results as an angina treatment were less than impressive, researchers noticed that male clinical trial participants suddenly found it easier to get and keep an erection. Making this side effect all the more eye-opening was the fact that many of the men participating in the study had a history of erectile dysfunction.<\/p>\n

The PDE5 inhibitors are all designed to treat erectile dysfunction caused by insufficient blood flow to the penis. Medical scientists have long recognized that what’s good for the penis is usually good for the heart, and vice versa. By temporarily optimizing blood flow to the penis, these drugs also improve blood flow throughout the body, thus dilating arteries that supply the heart and other vital organs.<\/p>\n

Findings from Earlier Studies<\/b><\/p>\n

Previous studies also have produced preliminary evidence that PDE5 inhibitors have cardioprotective properties. But British researchers behind this most recent study sought to see how the ED drugs<\/a> affected cardiac health among type 2 diabetics, a group more susceptible to heart disease than the general public.<\/p>\n

The U.K. research team was led by Simon G. Anderson of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Manchester. The team recruited nearly 6,000 men between the ages of 40 and 89, all of whom had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The study tracked its participants for 6.9 years. It found that men who regularly took PDE5 inhibitors were less likely to experience adverse cardiac events than those who did not take the ED drugs. It also found that the incidence of mortality from all causes was lower among men who took PDE5 inhibitors.<\/p>\n

Type 2 Diabetes Widespread<\/b><\/p>\n

Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem worldwide. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that 4 million have been diagnosed with the disease, while another 12 million are believed at risk of developing it. In the United States, roughly 29 million Americans suffer from diabetes. About 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common form of the disease, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes diagnoses in the United States.<\/p>\n

Broadly speaking, diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body produces little or no insulin. This insufficiency or absence of insulin causes dangerously elevated levels of glucose in the blood. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas either fails to produce adequate levels of insulin or the body is unable to effectively utilize the insulin that is produced, thus resulting in blood glucose levels that are too high. Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and increased thirst.<\/p>\n

Damages Blood Vessels, Nerves<\/b><\/p>\n

Over time, diabetes causes serious damage to blood vessels and nerves, both of which can contribute to erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular complications.<\/p>\n

Results of the U.K. study were first published online by “Heart,”<\/a> part of The BMJ family of medical journals, in late July 2016. The research team tracked the health of 5,956 men with type 2 diabetes for nearly seven years. Of that number, 1,359 took a PDE5 inhibitor. Across the nearly seven-year span of the study, the PDE5 inhibitors were taken only an average of 16 times, or once every five months.<\/p>\n

Researchers found that those taking the ED drugs were 46 percent less likely to die of heart disease during the study period. Study participants taking the PDE5 inhibitors also were 38 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack. However, of those who did suffer a heart attack, the men using PDE5 inhibitors were 40 percent less likely to die as a result.<\/p>\n

How PDE5 Inhibitors Work<\/b><\/p>\n

To better understand how PDE5 inhibitors work, here’s a brief overview of the way they function. Taken 30 to 60 minutes before the anticipated start of sexual activity, these inhibitors temporarily disable an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase-5, which can interfere with optimal blood flow.<\/p>\n

A key player in erectile function is a substance known as cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP. Levels of cGMP in the blood increase when the brain detects feelings of sexual desire or physical stimuli of the genitals. The cGMP triggers the smooth muscle tissue that lines arteries to relax. As this muscle tissue relaxes, arteries dilate, thus increasing the amount of blood they can carry. A sharp increase in the amount of blood flowing to the penis facilitates erection. However, this improved blood flow is not confined to the pelvic region. Arteries supplying the heart also expand, increasing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.<\/p>\n

Primary function of the PDE5 enzyme is the breakdown of cGMP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enzyme Breaks Down cGMP<\/b><\/p>\n

One of the primary functions of the PDE5 enzyme is the breakdown of cGMP. For men whose vascular health is robust, this poses no real problem. As the enzyme breaks down cGMP, more is created to replace it. However, for men whose vascular systems are already compromised, the enzyme can break down cGMP faster than it can be replaced, thus making it more difficult to get and keep an erection. By temporarily deactivating the enzyme, ED drugs allow the erectile process to proceed unimpeded. As the effects of the inhibitor wear off after four to six hours, the enzyme is once again free to function as it usually does.<\/p>\n

Of the study’s significance, Andrew W. Trafford, another member of the research team, said that it was reassuring to learn that PDE5 inhibitors “could reduce heart attack risk and improve heart attack survival in people with diabetes.” He called for further research to confirm the cardioprotective properties of PDE5 inhibitors.<\/p>\n

If you’d like to stay abreast of the latest developments on the consumer health front, check out our blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n

How does Viagra work to treat erectile dysfunction?<\/h3>\n

Viagra helps treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5, which relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. This process allows men to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity. For detailed guidance on <\/span>how to use Viagra, consult a medical expert at eDrugstore.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the recommended Viagra dosage for men?<\/h3>\n

The typical starting <\/span>Viagra dosage for men is 50mg, taken about an hour before sexual activity. However, based on individual response and tolerability, the dose may be adjusted to 25mg or 100mg. Always follow your doctor\u2019s instructions for safe and effective use.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do I get an online Viagra prescription safely?<\/h3>\n

To get an <\/span>online Viagra prescription, choose a reputable telemedicine provider or pharmacy with licensed healthcare professionals. They will evaluate your condition through a consultation and prescribe the appropriate dosage if needed. Avoid unverified sources to ensure safety and authenticity.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Viagra 50mg, and is it the right dosage for me?<\/h3>\n

Viagra 50mg is a standard dose for treating erectile dysfunction, balancing effectiveness and safety. It suits most men but might not be ideal for everyone. Factors like age, health conditions, and medication tolerance influence the correct dosage. Consult your doctor to determine if it\u2019s right for you.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does Viagra last once I take it?<\/h3>\n

Viagra typically stays effective for 4 to 6 hours after consumption, depending on individual factors like metabolism and overall health. While it doesn\u2019t cause continuous erections, it improves the ability to achieve one when sexually stimulated. Understanding <\/span>how long does Viagra last helps in planning its use effectively.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Where can I buy Viagra online?<\/h3>\n

You can buy Viagra online from licensed pharmacies or telemedicine platforms. Look for providers offering genuine medications, secure payment options, and consultation services. Avoid unverified websites to ensure you\u2019re purchasing authentic products safely.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n