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Suggest Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction While Having Hypertension

Posted on Tue, 5 Jan 2016

Question: Hi

I had a heart attack 3 years ago (am doing fine now, and leading an active lifestyle including sport), but am experiencing some ED issues.

I came across an article that discussed taking the following dietary supplements to tackle ED issues, and supposedly promote heart health:

With juice/water couple of times a day:

1. Vitamin C powder 2500mg...1/2 tsp
2. L-arginine (2500mg) powder ... 1/2 tsp
3. L-Citruline (500mg) powder ... 1/8 tsp
4. Pycnogenol powder 75mg
5. L-Lysine powder 2500mg ... 1/2 tsp
6. L-Proline powder 500mg ... 1/8 tsp

I wanted to know if it is ok to try the above list of supplements, in conjunction with the following medications I'm taking:

1. Carvedilol 6.25mg
2. Lisinopril 2.5mg
3. Simvastatin 20mg
4. Clopidogrel 75mg
5. Aspirin 81mg

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can safely take the supplement, watch your blood pressure....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns.

When it comes to a health problem, we try to determine the causative factor.

In your case, the problems related to ED might be due to hypertension as :
- less blood is being supplied to the genital organs during orgasm
- less testosterone levels are found in men suffering of hypertension

Another cause could be carvedilol (which is a betablocker). One side effect of betablockers is erectile dysfunction problems.

I agree with your nurse advice on controlling your bp. However, I advise to consult with your cardiologist to adjust the dosage of carvedilol as per your ed problems.

L-arginine is an aminoacid necessary for building proteins. It can help reduce bp and with your ED problems. The only concern I have is regarding to its effect of lowering bp as you might need to adjust the dosage of lisinopril.

I advise to measure your bp while taking this supplement, and show the results to your doctor to make the right adjustments.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Let me know if you have other questions!
Dr.Albana

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (32 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. Albana.

My concern around L arginine stems from an article on a 2006 study that suggested that it is unsafe for people with prior heart attack. (Some other articles have stated that the study was indecisive).

Here is the link to the article:
http://www.m.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/0000/dont-take-l-arginine-for-heart-attack

Overall I'm in good health, no other issues right now.

Am leaning towards trying the supplement inorder to maintain marital harmony.

Will check with my cardiologist around adjusting the dosage of medication. Just want to confirm the safety around using L arginine.

Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Once again, L-arginine safe to use

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for providing additional details.

1. When we decide on a solution for any medical issue, we base our judgement on guidelines given by recognised medical institutions. We cannot rely only on a single research, especially when its results were inconclusive.

2. Once again, as per recommendations can safely use this supplemment unless you experience unusual symptoms. Do not forget to check your bp for dose adjustment.

3. I believe that taking bp meds as presccribed together with taking good control of bp can also help easing your medical problems.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

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