When it comes to needing a little help in the bedroom, I’m sure many have heard of a little blue pill called sildenafil, more commonly known as Viagra, and its seemingly stronger kin tadalafil, commonly known as Cialis. These pills are normally prescribed for erectile dysfunction. As if women didn’t have enough problems, recent research shows that these medications not only help with ED, but could also significantly reduce the risk of deadly diseases in middle-aged and older men.
Published in the American Journal of Medicine, the study found that these little guys could help reduce deaths, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Dr. Dietrich Jehle, professor and chair of the medical branch’s Sealy Department of Emergency Medicine and the lead author of the study, stated “These medications, such as Cialis and Viagra, are believed to offer cardiovascular benefits through improved blood flow, lowering blood pressure, enhancing endothelial function, and providing anti-inflammatory effects,” he added “Additionally, the enabled sexual activity may contribute positively to mental health.”
Researchers compared data of men prescribed Cialis or Viagra for ED, to that of those not taking the medication with ED. Among the findings were reduced death rate, heart attacks, strokes, and dementia.
According to Dr. Hani Jneid, UTMB’s Chief of Cardiology and co-author of the study, “These findings could shift our approach to treating middle-aged and older men at risk for cardiovascular disease and dementia.” The authors used a large scale database of over 50 million men which strengthens the validity of these results.
