Men's Health
Erectile dysfunction drugs linked to lower risk of heart problems
Research we're watching
- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Otherwise healthy men treated with prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction had fewer heart-related problems than men who didn't take the medications, a new study finds.
Known as PDE-5 inhibitors, the drugs include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn). They work by relaxing artery walls and improving blood flow. Earlier research suggested these drugs may also reduce heart problems in men with diabetes or heart disease.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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