Scientists Study Viagra's Bonus Benefits

Since its introduction to the pharmaceutical market in 1998, Viagra has become one of the greatest prescription drug success stories of all time. Within a decade of its release, sales of the drug had topped the $1 billion mark, breaking many records that were long held by medications for more life-threatening illnesses.

Viagra was the first drug that was approved for prescription use as a treatment for male erectile dysfunction. The drug works by initiating relaxation and dilation in key areas of the male sexual organs. This, in turn, increases the free movement of blood toward the genitals, allowing for an erection.

Experts credit the popularity of Viagra with bringing the problem of male erectile dysfunction to the forefront. Before advertisements for Viagra became a staple of the mainstream print and broadcast media, erectile dysfunction was rarely discussed in public, in spite of the fact that as many as one in ten men experience some level of impotence throughout their lives. After the advent of Viagra, reports indicate that millions of men began discussing this once-shameful secret and seeking medical advice for the problem.

It's well known that Viagra is effective for helping men overcome sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction. However, in recent years, researchers have been studying "off-label" uses for the drug, as well.

Because of its proven ability to improve circulation and blood flow, some of the main areas of interest for off-label use of Viagra have been cardiovascular and circulatory problems. This week, we'll look at the results of three recent studies that have explored non-sexual applications for the drug.

Viagra May be a Lifesaver for Patients with Heart Problems

Viagra's already known for reviving love lives that have been marred by male erectile dysfunction, but according to researchers at the University of Alberta, it may be a literal lifesaver for patients with a unique type of heart failure.

Because of the drug's unique ability to boost blood flow and circulation in targeted areas, the scientists have posited that it may be effective in helping patients with a failure of the right ventricle of the heart. This rare condition can be fatal, and at the current time, there is no known treatment for the disorder.

The same team of researchers was responsible for uncovering Viagra' s effectiveness as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension. Now, they are focusing their efforts on uncovering a new formulation of the drug that can bolster the performance of the right ventricle of the heart. Although much more experimentation will be necessary before a commercial version of the final product is likely to be released, the researchers report that they already have several promising leads.

Viagra Could Help Patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Millions of people around the world suffer from pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable that is characterized by scarring and hardening of the lung tissue. Although lung transplants can help some patients who are suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, there is no known treatment that can slow the course of the disease or treat its painful symptoms.

According to a study conducted by researchers at UCLA, however, Viagra's unique ability to relax smooth tissue and improve circulation could mean that the drug is an effective treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. The findings indicate that patients taking Viagra had improved long capacity and were able to engage in active exertion for up to 20% longer than the control group. More testing is needed, but the researchers are encouraged by the preliminary findings.

Researchers Uncover Many Heretofore Unknown Applications for Viagra

A recent literature review conducted by scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified a number of possible uses for the drug Viagra -- none of which have anything to do with erectile dysfunction. It was found that the most popular non-sexual use for the drug is the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, which is a concentration of high blog pressure in the lung's vascular system. In fact, Viagra is now marketed under the name Revatio for this purpose.

Viagra has also been found to help overcome the altitude sickness that can occur in high-elevation locales by relieving pressure on the pulmonary arteries. This application may be especially beneficial for athletes or outdoor enthusiasts who regularly exercise at high altitudes.

In addition, several major studies are now being conducted to determine whether Viagra may be a helpful treatment for patients with heart disease, heart failure, or diastolic dysfunction.

If you think that you or a loved one may be able to benefit from Viagra, talk to your doctor for a personalized assessment of the risks and benefits. Check back here each week for more of the health science news you need!