Apart from treating erectile dysfunction, altitude sickness and pulmonary hypertension, Viagra also seems to be good for the heart. A recent study conducted by Montreal Heart Institute provides evidence that the active ingredient of the anti-impotence drug (sildenafil citrate) is effective in preventing Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rapidly progressing decease caused by a defective gene and characterized by a loss of muscle function that primarily occurs in boys between 2 and 6 years old. The disease eventually leads to death from heart failure before 30.

During the trial, mice with engineered Duchenne muscular dystrophy were given either placebo or a dose of Viagra approximately equal to that taken by men to treat erectile dysfunction. The drug was administered once a day for six weeks. The findings of the tests suggest that Viagra improved the heart performance in mice helping maintain normal heart function. According to the researchers, the choice of Viagra was based on the results of previous medical trials.

One of the major causes of heart-related muscular dystrophy is the defects in cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), a natural substance promoting smooth relaxation of vascular muscle. Viagra and similar medications known as PDE5 inhibitors such as Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenadil) restore the defective cGMP signaling pathway thus preventing or delaying heart failure in patients with muscular dystrophy.

Researchers believe that the new findings can facilitate development of innovative approaches to clinical treatment of heart muscle problems and cardiac complications. However, future studies are needed in order to prove that prescribing Viagra to children can be a safe way of preventing heart damage.