Effect of PDE-5 inhibitors on post-exercise blood pressure

Abstract

Blood pressure typically decreases following exercise, a phenomenon known as postexercise hypotension (PEH). The cause of PEH is unclear but may include NO dependent mechanism. Men with erectile dysfunction are prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors to prevent the destruction of NO, thus producing a vasodilatory effect. Consumption of PDE-5 inhibitors may increase the effect of PEH by augmenting the effect of NO. This study compared PEH in active middle-aged men following heavy exercise with and without presence of a PDE-5 inhibitor (Sildenafil). Physically active men (mean age 54 + 13) performed 40 minutes of heavy exercise (~80 percent MHR) on two occasions, one hour following ingestion of either 50 mg of Sildenafil or placebo. Blood pressure was measured pre-exercise and immediately post-exercise at 10 minute intervals for 40 minutes. Blood pressure was significantly lower pre-exercise on Sildenafil 108 + 14 vs. 116 + 15 and decreased in parallel throughout post-exercise. PDE-5 inhibitors apparently increase the magnitude of reduced blood pressure both before and following heavy exercise. However, there is not an augmented response of PEH on PDE-5 inhibitors.