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A new property of Viagra has been discovered
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Scientists from Korea have discovered a new ability of a well-known medicine.
Thus, studies have shown that Viagra can minimize the risk of thrombosis in patients who have previously undergone coronary stenting. This is reported in the publication Medical News Today.
Stenting is an operation to insert special mesh tubes into blocked arterial vessels, thanks to which the vascular lumen is restored and blood flow is resumed.
Stenting is often done to patients suffering from severe forms of atherosclerosis. This procedure is in great demand and really helps to prolong the lives of many seriously ill people. To prevent recurrence of vascular narrowing, stents are treated with a special compound that has an antiproliferative effect.
However, the operation also has its disadvantages: for example, the risk of thrombus formation increases significantly in patients who have undergone the operation. This risk is present even after a course of antithrombotic therapy.
New studies using Viagra have shown that the drug can significantly reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming, making the stenting procedure safer.
The findings of the study were presented at a scientific conference organized by the AHA in Portland. The report was presented by cardiologist Professor Han-Mo Young from Seoul National University.
A study in rats showed that Viagra, whose active ingredient is sildenafil, reduces platelet aggregation by 30%, thereby preventing the initiation of blood clot formation.
Currently, the introduction of stents is accompanied by the administration of combination antithrombotic therapy, which includes small amounts of acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel.
By the way, it has long been noted that Viagra has more than one additional medicinal property. Initially, the drug was presented as a means of eliminating hypertension in the lungs. After that, Viagra began to be used to improve male potency. Now the tablets are proposed to be used as a cardiac surgical tool.
Cardiac surgery specialists have already proven that Viagra can prevent other consequences of stenting. For example, stimulation of the enzyme protein kinase G leads to blocking of connective tissue growth. It turns out that this property of the drug can completely replace the application of the medicinal substance to stents.
The initiators of the study claim that mechanical damage during stent insertion "knocks down" the enzyme activity. This leads to the launch of proliferative reactions, to a decrease in the vascular lumen and to the need for repeated intervention. Viagra is able to prevent repeated stenosis.
"Our experiment has so far only been conducted on rodents. Next, we will conduct a series of clinical trials. If everything goes smoothly, then we hope that the list of indications for prescribing this medication will expand," Dr. Young reflects.
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