Discovered a new property of Viagra
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists from Korea discovered a new ability of all known medicines.
Thus, studies have shown that Viagra is able to minimize the risk of thrombosis in patients who had previously undergone coronary stenting. This is reported in the publication Medical News Today.
Stenting is an operation to introduce into the impassable arterial vessels special mesh tubes, due to which the vascular lumen is restored, and the blood flow resumes.
Stenting is often done in patients with severe forms of atherosclerosis. This procedure is very in demand and really helps to prolong the life of many seriously ill people. To prevent recurrence of vasoconstriction, the stents are treated with a special composition that has an antiproliferative effect.
Nevertheless, the operation has drawbacks: for example, in patients undergoing surgery, the risk of thrombus formation is significantly increased . This risk is present even after the course of antithrombotherapy.
New studies using Viagra have shown that this drug can significantly reduce the likelihood of blood clots, 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 Professor Cardiologist Han-Mo Yang of the National University of Seoul.
A study in rats showed that Viagra, the active ingredient of which is sildenafil, reduces platelet aggregation by 30%, thereby preventing the initiation of clot formation processes.
Currently, the introduction of stents is accompanied by the appointment of combined antithrombotherapy, which includes small amounts of acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel.
By the way, it has long been noted that Viagra has far more than one additional healing property. Initially, the drug was presented as a remedy for the elimination of hypertension in the lungs. After that, Viagra began to be used to improve male potency. Now the tablets are suggested to be used as a cardiosurgical agent.
Specialists in the field of cardiac surgery have already proved that Viagra can prevent other consequences of stenting. For example, stimulation of the enzyme substance protein kinase G leads to blockage of connective tissue proliferation. It turns out that this property of the drug can completely replace the application of the therapeutic substance on the stents.
The initiators of the study argue that mechanical damage when the stent is introduced "knocks down" the degree of activity of the enzyme. This leads to the initiation of proliferative reactions, to a decrease in vascular clearance and to the need for repeated intervention. Viagra is also 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 the purpose of this medication will expand, "- reflects Dr. Young.