Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases have common risk factors. It follows therefore, that many men who might benefit from taking Viagra, could have cardiovascular diseases. A study of evidence which took place recently in California concluded that Viagra was highly effective and overall the frequency of side effects was low and similar to those recipients of a placebo. However it must not be used in patients who need to take nitrate medicines and should be used with great care in people who suffer angina (chest pain) on exercise. Nitrate medicines include: Isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, nitro-glycerine and amyl nitrate or amyl nitrite, better known as poppers.

More common side effects that users of Viagra should be aware of are the possibility of headaches, indigestion due to acid regurgitation, and very mild effects on vision including blurred vision and a slight blue tinge to vision, as well as sometimes making bright lights appear brighter. Viagra should never be used in one very rare disorder called retinitis pigmentosa. Other side effects can include dizziness, nasal congestion and mild palpitations (awareness of your heart beat)

It should be pointed out that medicines affect different people in different ways. Because the above side effects have been pointed out does not mean that all people using Viagra will experience all, or indeed any of these.

More information on these side effects can be obtained by on line consultation with one of the panel of Doctors on UK Medix website, or through your general practioner.