Many hypertension patients, especially males, often have unspoken concerns because everyone knows that the greatest danger of hypertension is its link to atherosclerosis. Once atherosclerosis occurs, the body’s blood vessels narrow, leading to ischemia and hypoxia in the vessels, affecting the congestion and erection process of the penile corpus cavernosum, thus causing erectile dysfunction.
Another reason is that after being diagnosed with hypertension, many individuals, particularly males with hypertension, may experience abnormal sexual intercourse and then search online. Discovering that hypertension can affect sexual performance, they become more anxious and fearful, burdened with worries. Once a psychological shadow forms, it becomes a vicious cycle that is hard to break free from.
Lastly, many hypertension patients need to take antihypertensive medication, and some of these drugs can also impact male erectile function. For example, common diuretics, known for lowering blood pressure by promoting the excretion of sodium and water, also lead to a decrease in blood volume, affecting male erectile function. Another type of medication is β-blockers, which some scholars believe can reduce male androgen levels. By blocking β receptor activity and enhancing α receptor activity, these medications influence peripheral blood flow and male sexual function.
However, not all antihypertensive medications are as detrimental to erectile function. Through research, scientists have discovered two “mini Viagras” in antihypertensive drugs that not only lower blood pressure but also enhance male function:
Firstly, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are compounds that inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, the latter being a potent vasoconstrictor and activator of aldosterone release from the adrenal cortex.
Common ACE inhibitors include benazepril, enalapril, captopril, fosinopril, and perindopril.
These medications are known for controlling hypertension by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzymes. However, they can also improve endothelial cell and vascular function while promoting vasodilation and blood circulation, potentially enhancing erectile function.
Secondly, Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
The mechanism of action of these medications involves blocking the binding of angiotensin II to its receptor, thereby inhibiting the physiological effects of angiotensin II and leading to vasodilation. By reducing peripheral resistance, they lower blood pressure.
Common medications include losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, candesartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, and azilsartan.
A study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that after 8 weeks of treatment with valsartan in 191 patients with mild to moderate primary hypertension, the overall effective rate of hypertension treatment was 86.9%, and the sexual functional index of patients over 40 years old significantly increased.
Due to their ability to dilate small blood vessels and increase blood flow, ARBs not only lower blood pressure but also improve erectile time and hardness by expanding penile arteries.
As a doctor, it’s important to emphasize that hypertension itself can lead to erectile dysfunction, so controlling hypertension is crucial.
1. Choose what’s best for you, don’t blindly follow others
When selecting antihypertensive drugs, do not blindly follow others, as what works for others may not work for you. It’s best to consult a professional doctor before making a choice, as they will prescribe the appropriate type of antihypertensive medication based on your individual situation.
2. Maintaining good lifestyle habits is essential
Merely taking medication without changing your lifestyle will not effectively control hypertension. Good lifestyle habits include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, following a low-salt, low-fat diet, regular exercise, early bedtime, and not staying up late. If you cannot adhere to these habits, it’s nearly impossible to control hypertension effectively.
3. Relaxation is key
Having hypertension should not cause excessive anxiety. Constantly worrying about hypertension complications can have irreversible effects on your body. The more you stress, the higher your blood pressure can become since there are numerous factors affecting blood pressure, and emotions are one of them.
