Key facts
- Sex is physical activity, which puts some strain on the heart.
- Tell your prescriber about any heart condition, stroke or blood pressure problems.
- ED medicines are not usually prescribed with nitrates.
- A GP health check can find problems ED may be pointing to.
Why it matters
Sexual activity is physical activity. ED medicines also affect blood vessels and can lower blood pressure. That's why a prescriber needs to know about your heart health before recommending one.
What to tell your prescriber
- any heart condition, heart attack or stroke, and when it happened
- chest pain, especially during exercise or sex
- high or low blood pressure
- every medicine you take, especially nitrates for chest pain
Nitrates
ED medicines like sildenafil and tadalafil are not usually prescribed together with nitrates, which are often used for chest pain. See medicine interactions.
A health check is worth it
Erection problems can share causes with heart disease. See ED and heart health.