John Hopkins researchers claim Viagra reduces the stimulatory effects of hormonal stress on the heart by half

Previous studies have shown that the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra is effective in treating hypertension.

Viagra works by expanding the blood vessels.

In the heart, Viagra blunts the strengthened heartbeat caused by chemically induced stress, thereby lessening the excess amount of blood and force used to pump it to the body. David Kass, M.D. says "Sildenafil effectively puts a 'brake' on chemical stimulation of the heart."

Kass is a professor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its Heart Institute, and is the study senior author and cardiologist.

According to John Hopkins researchers, these findings are likely the first to confirm that Viagra has a direct effect on the heart.

Researcher knew that Viagra could be effective for treating hypertension, but believed it had little direct effect on the heart.

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