Established and emerging therapeutic uses of PDE type 5 inhibitors in cardiovascular disease.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of pharmacological mechanisms and clinical indications without systematic synthesis.
PubMed 31721165 · doi:10.1111/bph.14920
What was done
The authors reviewed the pharmacological properties, established licensed indications, and emerging cardiovascular therapeutic applications of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (including sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil). The review focuses on their mechanism in enhancing NO/cGMP signaling across conditions such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical results, effect sizes, or statistical findings. It provides a qualitative overview of the shift from original cardiovascular investigations to current indications (erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension) and discusses potential expansion into other cardiovascular disorders.
Why it matters
It maps the therapeutic potential of PDE5 inhibition across a broader spectrum of vascular and metabolic diseases.
Limits
This is a narrative review with no systematic search criteria, quality appraisal, or quantitative data synthesis. The abstract provides no specific patient numbers or outcome measurements.
Cited by
- supports Sildenafil (Viagra) was originally tested in clinical trials for angina and cardiovascular conditions before its erectile effects were observed.