Can Viagra Be Taken While Having Atrial Fibrillation?

Posted on Mon, 26 Dec 2016

Question: I have a couple of questions about sex, viagra and afib

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would be happy to answer to all of your questions!

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

Please provide more information on your concern!

I would be happy to answer to all of your questions!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (6 minutes later)

Dr. Sharka, I had an IAD device put in about 15 months ago. What I would like to start with, it has triggered with no reason. It was determined my heart went into afib. I would like to resume sexual relations but am scared it could go off again. Believe me it does not feel good. I am on medication. But the fear is there.

2nd question, does sex raise your heart rate to where it can go off? 3rd Can viagra be taken with these problems safely?

may we chat online?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and would explain that it is common to be afraid of sexual relations after having a IAD device.

You should know that a large number of patients do not return to normal sexual activity after a cardiac event, possibly owing to fear of triggering additional cardiac problems. However, the physical demand of sexual intercourse has been described as being within the range of moderate physical activities and is often achieved or exceeded during a normal workday.

So, even though sex is a common concern, most sexual activity is safe and is considered a gentle form of exercise. So, it is quite safe and does not cause any abnormal raise in the heart rate.

Regarding Viagra, there is no contraindication to take viagra in your clinical situation.

I would only recommend to reduce the dose of your anti-hypertensive drugs when taking viagra in order to avoid possible low blood pressure and collapse.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Let me know if you have any other uncertainties!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (24 hours later)

How do I keep my heart rate down, and the electrical impulses normal during sex?

I was told by my pcp we can consider it. (using viagra) what would be a good dosage?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

As I explained before the increase in the heart rate during sexual activity is not concerning.

There is no way to avoid this raise in heart rate as it is a normal physiological reaction, which helps pump blood in the cavernous bodies ( part of the penis) thus achieving erection.

So relax and don't worry about this.

Regarding Viagra, I would recommend starting with a low dose of 25 mg an hour before sex.

If this dose is not very effective, you can raise the dose up to 50mg an hour before sex next time.

Hope to have clarified your uncertainties!

Wishing all the best,

Dr.Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (16 hours later)

Now a difficult one, will masturbation trigger and episode?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

You should understand that masturbation can be evaluated as a medium physical activity. It is even more light than sexual activity (if you consider the fact that you do not move too much and do not lift any body weight).

So, relax and do not worry about it!

Nothing bad is going to happen!

Hope to have been helpful!

Regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (23 hours later)

Dr. Sharka, Please, can you ask a neurologist and Psychologist to review this please. I had an episode in trying to masterbate where where my iad went off 14 times in 7 minutes. I am scared to try anything right now. All I am told is my heart went into an uncontrolled afib situation. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I recommend checking your IAD first.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXX!

Regarding a potential dysfunction of your IAD, before coming to definite conclusions, it is important to review the tracking history of your IAD by utilizing the retrieving function of the underlying IAD analyzer. This procedure can be easily done by your EP cardiologist (who has implanted your IAD).

Regarding a neurologist or a psychiatrist, I would explain that your symptoms are not related to any neurological or psychiatric dysfunction.

It is true that emotions and emotional stress (including anxiety) can trigger a sympathetic nervous system response, thus triggering cardiac arrhythmia, but this happens in every normal person (it is normal even in patients with IAD).

So, I recommend focus on the IAD functioning first, before consulting with a neurologist or a psychiatrist.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Greetings!

Dr. Iliri

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar