Some background data: had HBP for years (usually 180/110), a systolic heart murmur, developed an enlarged left ventricle and an irregular heartbeat (no heart attack and things looked good on a thallium test); take Altace and atenolol with BP now 130/85 and a MUCH slower heart rate due to 150 mg of atenolol; ejection fraction up now to 55% and ventricle size somewhat less. I use Viagra (with my cardiologists permission).

A recent event: Used Viagra for sex and then did regular exercise (running) about 3 hrs later. I quickly became tired and couldn't run nearly as far as usual because of shortness of breath and my heart pounded like it was the old (pre-meds) days. My heart tolerates the combination of these meds and the exertions of sex just fine.

Has any of you experienced anything like this with heart meds and Viagra? Does this mean I am putting my heart at risk by using the combination?

Thanks.

NEVER run during sex...it makes partners REALLY mad!:D

It probably isn't wise to combine atenolol, Viagra, sex and running in the same day! Sounds a bit like "pushing the envelope."

The viagra amplifies the effect of the atenolol and many people can't run for Qaquaa:D just on atenolol.

NEVER run during sex...it makes partners REALLY mad!:D

It probably isn't wise to combine atenolol, Viagra, sex and running in the same day! Sounds a bit like "pushing the envelope."

The viagra amplifies the effect of the atenolol and many people can't run for Qaquaa:D just on atenolol alone.

NEVER run during sex...it makes partners REALLY mad!:D

LOL Zip--Are you speaking from experience here?

The viagra amplifies the effect of the atenolol and many people can't run for Qaquaa:D just on atenolol alone.

OK, back to being serious about this :D

When I still needed a beta blocker (atenolol, toprol, ziac) to control my hypertension, the ones that I took while I started running for exercise was atenolol, and later toprol. The one effect that I noticed once I weened off of them completely felt something like someone taking the chains off, or releasing the high-end cap. When on those meds, the harder I tried to run, the more the beta blocker kept the HR attenuated, and it was exponentially more difficult to run faster (as if that isn't the case while not on a beta blocker too...)

As for the Viagra, I am willing to bet that it resulted in a decrease in your blood pressure--moreso than what you are used to (did you happen to take your BP before you went for that run?). I haven't noticed any exercise impact from this class of drugs (Levitra/Viagra), but usually there is a gap of at least 7 hrs between ingestion and exercise for me. Then again, I have not combined these with beta-blockers...but I do joke with my doctor about combining it with a nitro a few times and it gives him fits to hear me say something like that.

I can't take these drugs anymore, because I take time released nitro (Imdur) daily. I have thought about stopping the Imdur and starting the viagra :bouncing: When I did take viagra, I saw everything in shades of purple/blue. I told the doc (urologist), and his only comment was "stop the med". I agree with the Zipster on your "pushing the envelope". Sounds like you enjoy "living a life of danger", lol. Ubernier, great description of the beta blocker effects on exercise. I can't run, but they limit my high end treadmill speed.... Like a govenor on a motor :)