December 5, 2001 – Regular cycling could replace Viagra in men with heart failure. Indeed, a study has just shown that the bicycle has improved the sex life of several subjects with weak heart muscle.
Many heart failure patients take medicines containing nitrates which release nitric oxide. This reduces blood pressure by dilating the vessels, which improves blood circulation. Sexual difficulties often accompany heart failure, but taking Viagra is not recommended. Viagra has a similar effect to nitrates and increases blood flow to induce an erection. The two combined can then lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure that are potentially fatal.
During the study, two groups of men in their 50s with heart failure were followed for eight weeks. The group of 30 men exercised three times a week for about an hour, including 40 minutes of biking. Heart rate and blood pressure were checked before, during and after exercise. A questionnaire on quality of life and sexual activity was also completed by patients and their partners. The results showed a marked improvement for the exercise group while there was no change in the control group.1
Some experts, while acknowledging that the bicycle can improve the sex life of patients, however question that dilation of the vessels is the main cause of this change. Studies on a larger population will therefore be necessary in order to confirm the aforementioned conclusions. In the meantime, gentlemen, don’t lose control!
Élisabeth Mercader – PasseportSanté.net
According to InteliHealth, November 26, 2001.
1. American Health Association. Regular cycling can improve sexual function in men with heart failure. www.americanheart.org [Consulté le 3 décembre 2001]. http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11999
-1698484526.jpg "Erectile dysfunction: exercise as effective as Viagra?")
