Scientists are excited over a new use for the anti-impotence drug Viagra: treatment for a life-threatening heart and lung condition.
Pulminary hypertension – or high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs – is generally brought on by a shortage of oxygen.
The few treatments available are difficult to administer or have unpleasant side effects – but researchers say Viagra may provide an effective alternative.
In a study conducted at Hammersmith Hospital in London, healthy male volunteers were made to breathe in a reduced-oxygen atmosphere for 30 minutes to induce pulmonary hypertension.
This low-oxygen atmosphere caused a 56 percent increase in pulmonary artery pressure.
But when the subjects repeated the test after taking Viagra, their pulmonary artery pressure remained almost normal.
Scientists said they believe the drug works by helping the blood vessels in the lungs to relax.