They’re typically prescribed to men having issues in the bedroom, but it seems that erectile dysfunction drugs could soon be used to treat heart failure.
A new study has revealed that Tadalafil – which is the same class as Viagra – slows, or even reverses the progression of heart failure in sheep.
Researchers from the University of Manchester believe the same effect could apply to humans, raising hopes for a more effective treatment for heart failure.
Professor Andrew Trafford, who led the study, said: “This discovery is an important advance in a devastating condition which causes misery for thousands of people across the UK and beyond.
“We do have limited evidence from human trials and epidemiological studies that show Tadalafil can be effective in treating heart failure.
“This study provides further confirmation, adds mechanistic details and demonstrates that Tadalafil could now be a possible therapy for heart failure.
“It’s entirely possible that some patients taking it for erectile dysfunction have also unwittingly enjoyed a protective effect on their heart.”
In the study, the team administered Tadalafil into sheep with heart failure.
They found that within a short period of time, the drug reversed the effects of the heart failure.
Importantly, the dose the sheep received was similar to the dose humans are given when being treated for erectile dysfunction.
Tadalafil blocks an enzyme called Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5S), which regulates how our tissue responds to hormones like adrenaline.
The researchers found that in heart failure, the drug alters a series of chemical reactions in the body, restoring the heart’s ability to respond to adrenaline. This results in an increased ability for the heart to pump blood around the body.
While the findings are promising, the researchers warn that they’re still preliminary.
Professor Trafford added: “This is a widely used and very safe drug with minimal side effects.
“However we would not advise the public to treat themselves with the drug and should always speaking to their doctor if they have any concerns or questions.
“Tadalafil is only suitable as a treatment for systolic heart failure – when the heart is not able to pump properly – and there may be interactions with other drugs patients are taking.”
Source: Read Full Article