Table of Contents
Can you still take Viagra with high blood pressure medication? Should you be taking Viagra at all if you have high blood pressure (hypertension)?
Men have difficulty dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED) as is. But if they suffer from another health issue like having high blood pressure, that’s when concerns begin piling up.
In this post, we’re going to break down what you need to know about ED. More specifically, we’ll talk about how prescription drugs like Viagra can affect your high blood pressure medications, if at all.
Can You Take Viagra If You Have High Blood Pressure?
If you’re thinking about taking Viagra or any ED medication, you should consult a doctor first. Hypertension affects every person in different ways. A local erectile dysfunction doctor will be in a better position to make a recommendation based on your medical history.
With that said, the use of ED meds like Viagra is generally considered safe for people with high blood pressure. However, men with severe heart disease should review alternative ED treatments to treat sexual dysfunction. The same goes for those that suffer from urinary tract issues.
Your sexual health should not come at the cost of your overall wellness no matter how sexually frustrated you are.
Is It Safe to Take Viagra If You’re Taking Hypertension Medication?
It depends on what type of high blood pressure medicine you’re taking.
Most hypertension medicines are alpha-blockers. They dilate the blood vessels of the body to improve blood flow. When combined with Viagra, you could start experiencing side effects like light-headedness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Despite this, doctors may still diagnose ED and prescribe Viagra to patients with hypertension because the drop in blood pressure isn’t as significant in people who are generally healthy.
While Viagra is a commonly prescribed medication, you should always speak to an ED specialist to see if Viagra is the proper treatment for you.
What About Other Erectile Dysfunction Medication?
Viagra isn’t the only erectile dysfunction medication available to the public.
There are other ED meds that are as effective as Viagra. However, all these have an active ingredient called PDE5 inhibitors. This is what makes it possible for the penis to get erect.
It’s possible to experience side effects when PDE5 interacts with certain hypertension medicines.
Nitrate drugs, for example, are used to address chest pain. But when taken in conjunction to ED meds, it can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. So much so that your life could be placed in grave danger.
Given that life-threatening drug interactions may occur, it’s strongly recommended to consult medical guidance prior to making any medication adjustments.
Erectile Dysfunction and High Blood Pressure
Erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure are more closely linked than you might think.
Just because you have hypertension doesn’t automatically mean you’ll end up with ED. However, high blood pressure will damage the lining of the blood vessels over time. This is especially true for people who don’t do anything to manage it.
To make matters worse, high blood pressure will also cause arteries to narrow down and harden.
Both of these factors are what contribute to less blood flow which causes erectile dysfunction in men.
High Blood Pressure Meds Can Cause ED
It’s natural for doctors to place people with hypertension under medical treatment. This includes prescribing drugs that can alleviate some of its symptoms.
The problem is that some high blood pressure medicines can cause erectile dysfunction.
Some drugs list erectile dysfunction as one of their side effects. The truth is, 25% of erectile dysfunction cases are caused by prescription drugs, including blood pressure medicine.
Hypertension medications that are not typically recommended for men with ED include:
- Atenolol
- Spironolactone
- Propranolol
- Chlorthalidone
- Metoprolol
If you have high blood pressure and you’re thinking about taking Viagra for ED, you should consult with a specialist first. There’s a chance that your hypertension meds are what’s causing the issue. Changing your meds or lowering the dosage could resolve it and you may not have to take Viagra at all.
Is ED Common in People with High Blood Pressure?
Yes, there are more people with ED because of high blood pressure than you might think.
One study shows that the prevalence of ED in high-risk hypertensive patients is 71%. So there’s no need to feel inadequate or ashamed if you’re showing signs of ED because of high blood pressure. You’re not alone
If you’re experiencing erection problems and you have high blood pressure, consult with a medical professional as soon as possible.
Same goes for people who have ED but aren’t sure if they have high blood pressure. 46% of adults with hypertension aren’t even aware that they have it. For reference, 47% of adults in the United States have high blood pressure.
Doctors will be able to tell you how to treat chest pain and other hypertension symptoms. On top of that, they’re able to recommend the right ED medication or alternative treatment for your specific case.
Alternatives to Using Viagra
If your blood pressure is high and erectile dysfunction is a concern to you, know that there are ways to lower blood pressure organically.
Natural methods to treat high blood pressure include eating healthier and having a more active lifestyle. For mild cases of hypertension, this should be enough to lower blood pressure.
From there, you can talk to a doctor about how to treat erectile dysfunction without blood pressure being a factor.
But if you’re stuck with using hypertension medicine, there are other ways to improve erectile dysfunction that don’t involve sildenafil citrate.
For example, you can use a penis pump to fill blood vessels to the point that it swells and hardens long enough to have sex. It’s a popular option for both younger and older men since it doesn’t require oral medication or undergoing an invasive procedure. It can even help rekindle relationships.
Other considerations you can review to increase sexual desire and get an erection include:
- Penile implants
- Penile injections
- Low T therapy
- ED therapy
- RestoreWave therapy
- Urethral suppositories
There are also weight loss treatments outside of eating a healthy diet that can help with high blood pressure and ED.
Men that want a full list of ED treatment options should consult a doctor. They’ll let you know all the treatments available to you and what the risk factors are. They may even recommend ways you can get low blood pressure.
Doctors can even talk to you about creating a custom healthy living program to improve the blood flow in your body and restore its erectile function.
Overcome ED with Medical Guidance from Atlanta’s Leading Men’s Clinic
While it may be intimidating to do, it’s possible to overcome high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction issues.
You can overcome sexual health conditions with various other methods and men’s health treatments recommended by health practitioners at Atlanta’s Priority Men’s Medical Center. This includes ED therapy, premature ejaculation therapy, RestoreWave therapy, testosterone treatment, and adrenal fatigue treatment.
Don’t miss out on any opportunities you can find to get the proper treatment and achieve a happy and fulfilling sex life. Give our team a call today to schedule your appointment.
