By IANS
New York : Viagra, an oral drug for male impotence, may also help treat non-sexual problems like pulmonary hypertension and mountain sickness, says a new study.
Sildenafil, a drug manufactured by Pfizer under the trade name Viagra, has been in the market for the longest amount of time and is the most studied.
Viagra is now also marketed under the name Revatio for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension – the uncommon but serious disorder of high pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs. The condition leads to shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting and other symptoms.
The new report on the use of Viagra appeared in the August 2007 issue of Harvard Men's Health Watch.
Although it's yet not clear if the other erectile dysfunction (ED) pills offer similar benefits, but Viagra may prove useful for some other conditions like mountain sickness, Raynaud's phenomenon and heart disease, reported health portal News Medical.
Mountain sickness is an illness that ranges from a mild headache and weariness to a life-threatening build-up of fluid in the lungs or brain at high altitudes.
The report said Viagra could reduce pulmonary artery pressure at high altitude and improve the ability to exercise in low oxygen conditions.
Raynaud's Phenomenon is a condition in which poor blood flow results in discomfort and skin colour changes in affected parts of the body. If left untreated or uncontrolled, it can affect fingers, toes, ears, nose and knees. There is no cure for the disease but it can be controlled in most cases.
Both Viagra and Levitra, another ED medication, have been helpful in clinical trials, the report said.
Studies also suggest that Viagra might help patients with congestive heart failure.