What Are the Side Effects of Viagra and Other Erectile Dysfunction Medication?
Q: What side effects should I look for when taking drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED)? And how do I know my ED isn't a sign of a more significant problem like diabetes or heart disease?
-- Jim, Syracuse, NY
A: The major side effect taking erectile dysfunction medication, such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, is that 100 people die each year while taking them . . . and that is a major side effect. Yet this happens almost exclusively in people with cardiac disease.
Unfortunately, many cases of nonperformance involve guys who are part of this group: men with arterial disease who have risk factors such as high blood pressure, chest pain, diabetes, high LDL or low HDL cholesterol counts, or high inflammation numbers, which are indicated by either a waist size larger than 40 inches or a test called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). If you are in this category, get thee to a cardiologist, tell him (most guys with this problem choose a male doctor) what you want, and get his take on the side effects of Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medication – and decide together whether they’re right for you
Start taking better care of your heart today. Try the ultimate seven-step action plan for a healthier heart.
If you do get a prescription, remember not to use these pills with nitroglycerin. If you get chest pain after using one of these, take an aspirin with water, and get to an ED – that stands for emergency department, not erectile dysfunction -- fast. Have your partner drive you. IMMEDIATELY.
