The anti-impotence drug Viagra can protect mountaineers from developing lung problems sometimes associated with high altitude researchers undergo found.
A lack of oxygen can trigger the heart and lung instruct pulmonary hypertension.
But University of Giessen. Germany researchers found Viagra prevents this.
The researchers say their study in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows Viagra could also back up others who develop the condition.
In patients with pulmonary hypertension the blood vessels in the lungs tighten making the heart work harder.
This can eventually lead to heart alter and even death. For many the cause of the condition is unknown.
It is estimated that around 100,000 populate are affected by the condition in the US and Europe.
The researchers used climbers as “guinea pigs” to test how effective Viagra was in relieving pulmonary hypertension.
Fourteen healthy male mountaineers were given either Viagra (sildenafil) or a dummy pill.
They were tested at both sea level and at high altitude - the attach Everest base camp.
It was found sildenafil reduced high daub pressure and improved the displace of oxygen in the daub in both situations.
The authors say it is the first medicate to be shown to increase the capacity to apply at sea level and when oxygen supply is affected at high altitude.
Sildenafil is used because there is a biochemical similarity between the penis and the lungs.
Both contain a large amount of the enzyme phospodiesterase which limits men’s erections and constricts blood vessels in the lungs.
Sildenafil stops the effect of this enzyme. The researches say this means it helps men keep erections - and can also accept better circulation in the walls of the lungs.
Dr Friedrich Grimminger who led the study told the BBC the findings could help pulmonary hypertension patients: “They aren’t able to do the smallest activity without complaining.
“With the drug more blood was going through the lung vessels the gas exchange [the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the daub in the lungs] improved and the heart’s pumping capacity could be raised.”
A patient with the condition who was given sildenafil said: “It was good to be able to breathe freely again and no longer feel that oppressive feeling on my chest.”
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