We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Effect of sildenafil on arterial stiffness and wave reflection.
- Authors
Vlachopoulos, Charalabos; Hirata, Kozo; O'Rourke, Michael F.
- Abstract
While sildenafil (Viagra® ) is widely prescribed for erectile dysfunction, its effect on arterial function is not established. The elastic properties of the aorta, as well as the magnitude and timing of wave re ection, are important factors for ef cient performance of the cardio- vascular system and have been identi ed as prognosticators of cardiovascular risk. A total of 24 subjects with coronary artery disease, of whom 14 were hypertensives, aged 69±8 years, were studied in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over design. Measurements lasted for 3 h after the sildenafil intake (50mg, p.o.) or placebo. Aortic elastic properties were evaluated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity; wave re ection was evaluated with augmentation index and augmented pressure of the aortic pressure waveform. Pulse wave velocity decreased signi cantly (by 0.65m=s, p = 0.005), denoting a decrease in aortic stiffness. Augmentation index and augmented pressure decreased signi cantly (by 4.47% absolute and by 4.01mmHg; p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), denoting a decreased effect of wave re ection from the periphery. Aortic pulse pressure decreased signi cantly (by 6.74mmHg, p < 0.05). An active effect of the drug on aortic wall appears to contribute to the decrease in pulse wave velocity, although other mechanismssuch as a decrease of blood pressure and autonomic re exes could also have contributed. The effect of sildenafil lasted throughout the study (3 h), being evident 30min after drug intake. In conclusion, this study shows, for the rst time, that sildenafil has a favorable effect on aortic stiffness and wave reflection in patients with coronary artery disease. This finding may have important implications for cardiovascular performance and exercise capacity during intercourse.
- Subjects
SILDENAFIL; IMPOTENCE; CORONARY disease; CARDIOVASCULAR diseases; SEXUAL intercourse; MEN'S health
- Publication
Vascular Medicine, 2003, Vol 8, Issue 4, p243
- ISSN
1358-863X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1191/1358863x03vm509ra