Viagra 'protects climbers' lungs'
The anti-impotence drug Viagra can protect mountaineers from developing lung problems sometimes associated with high altitude, researchers have found.
A lack of oxygen can trigger the heart and lung condition pulmonary hypertension.
But University of Geissen, Germany, researchers found Viagra prevents this.
The researchers say their study, in the Annals of Internal Medicine, shows Viagra could also help others who develop the condition.
With the drug, more blood was going through the lung vessels
Dr Friedrich Grimminger, University of Geissen
In patients with pulmonary hypertension, the blood vessels in the lungs constrict, making the heart work harder.
This can eventually lead to heart damage, and even death. For many, the cause of the condition is unknown.
It is estimated that around 100,000 people are affected by the condition in the US and Europe.
Exercise capacity
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 Mount Everest base camp.
It was found sildenafil reduced high blood pressure and improved the transport of oxygen in the blood in both situations.
The authors say it is the first drug to be shown to increase the capacity to exercise 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 maintain erections - and can also allow 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 blood 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."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/h ... 534558.stm
Published: 2004/08/04 13:04:14 GMT
© BBC MMIV
Viagara helps climbers!
Backpacker magazine reported this finding in the Spring of 2002. I was a scout leader at the time and was getting ready to lead a group of scouts to the high country in Colorado. I presented this article to the troop committee and they didn't see any humor in it what so ever.The journalist on this is 2 years behind finding out the news
I don't understand what's going on, but it all has to do with nitric oxide in the blood stream. (Not nitrous oxide) For a long time, no was known about in the blood, but it was thought that it was just some inert stuff floating around. It turns out that it's important in all sorts of ways.
Bacon is meat candy.
Let's see, GWG....I'm a scout Mom and you propose to give my kid Viagra before taking him off into the mountains............nope, not amused! 
What I love about running is you can meditate while running. It's a peaceful place.
Sister Mary Elizabeth Lloyd, Runs marathons to raise money and awareness about children orphaned by AIDS
Sister Mary Elizabeth Lloyd, Runs marathons to raise money and awareness about children orphaned by AIDS
Come on Dipsi, it was all in the name of science and research. 
The scout master and I saw the article the same day and that night, we were having our last troop committee meeting prior to leaving. We started off by stating that we had come across this opportunity to participate in an outdoor-high altitude study and wanted to get the reaction of the committee. We tried to come across as being very serious about this until at the very end, we stated what the study involved. It proved to be a light hearted moment in an otherwise very dull committee meeting.
The article was seeking individuals to participate in an ongoing study to see if the early results were accurate.
Unfortunately, while out there, we did experience a couple of episodes of altitude sickness: Severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. Not a pretty scene for those who were sick.
The scout master and I saw the article the same day and that night, we were having our last troop committee meeting prior to leaving. We started off by stating that we had come across this opportunity to participate in an outdoor-high altitude study and wanted to get the reaction of the committee. We tried to come across as being very serious about this until at the very end, we stated what the study involved. It proved to be a light hearted moment in an otherwise very dull committee meeting.The article was seeking individuals to participate in an ongoing study to see if the early results were accurate.
Unfortunately, while out there, we did experience a couple of episodes of altitude sickness: Severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. Not a pretty scene for those who were sick.