However, the drug can have some harmful effects to some patients with heart disease. Male erectile dysfunction is particularly common after heart attack or diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Many men fear that sexual exertion will precipitate another heart attack.
Men are at particular risk if they are taking nitroglycerin.
In fact, Viagra should never be prescribed to patients receiving any form of nitrate therapy. The drug is also potentially hazardous in patients with congestive heart failure and borderline low blood pressure, including patients on multiple antihypotensive drug treatment. Dr. Gersh says normal, healthy individuals can experience some minor side effects that come from the drug s dilating effect on the blood vessels, such as headache, flushing and small blood pressure decrease.