GALVESTON, Texas – A new medical study has revealed important findings related to erectile dysfunction and its treatments. Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston have discovered that medications like Cialis and Viagra, commonly used for erectile dysfunction, may also significantly lower the risks of death, heart disease, and dementia.
The study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, analyzed data from over 500,000 men aged 40 and older who were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction between February 2004 and February 2021. The researchers compared the health outcomes of those treated with tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil (Viagra) against those who did not receive these medications.
Here are some key results from the study:
- Mortality: A 34% reduction in death risk with tadalafil, compared to a 24% reduction with sildenafil.
- Heart Attacks: A 27% reduction in risk with tadalafil, versus 17% with sildenafil.
- Strokes: A 34% decrease with tadalafil and a 22% decrease with sildenafil.
- Venous Thromboembolism (blood clots): A 21% reduction with tadalafil, and a 20% reduction with sildenafil.
- Dementia: A 32% decline in risk with tadalafil and a 25% reduction with sildenafil.
Dr. Dietrich Jehle, who is a professor and chair of the Sealy Department of Emergency Medicine at UTMB, explained that these medications enhance blood flow, lower blood pressure, improve the function of blood vessels, and offer anti-inflammatory benefits. This may lead to better cardiovascular health, and the encouragement of sexual activity could also positively impact mental well-being.
Additionally, UTMB highlighted that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these medications not just for erectile dysfunction but also for pulmonary hypertension and urinary issues related to an enlarged prostate.
Dr. Jehle noted the importance of understanding the connection between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, as it is a leading cause of death in the U.S. He emphasized that factors such as lifestyle and genetics play a role in heart health, and treatments like PDE-5 inhibitors could have wider implications for public health.
Dr. Hani Jneid, UTMB’s Chief of Cardiology and co-author of the study, mentioned that these medications were initially developed for heart conditions, and their effect on erectile dysfunction was seen as a bonus. The study’s findings could change how doctors treat older men who are at risk for heart disease and dementia.
