Viagra and ED Drugs Linked to Lower Death Risk: What the Research Suggests

Doctors at Huntington Medical Center observed a potential link between erectile dysfunction medications, including Viagra, and a lower risk of premature death in men, based on a study reported in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. The analysis drew on data from nearly 70,000 men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. The findings indicated that those who used erectile dysfunction drugs such as sildenafil or tadalafil had a 13 percent lower risk of experiencing serious adverse cardiovascular events. Additionally, the study noted a 39 percent reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 25 percent reduction in death from any cause. Scientists emphasize that the data show association, not proven causation. It remains possible that men who are able to take these medications and engage in sexual activity may be healthier overall than those who do not use the drugs. The original development of Viagra targeted treatment for angina, a chest pain linked to coronary heart disease. During research, clinicians observed improvements in erections and redirected efforts toward addressing erectile dysfunction rather than angina alone.