Publication:

Atrial fibrillation: a rare but probable adverse effect of sildenafil

Knowledge of the cardiovascular effects of sildenafil is important for a number of reasons. The main risk factors for the erectile dysfunction (hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, smoking) are the same as those for coronary artery disease. The reported cardiovascular side effects of sildenafil in normal healthy population are minor and mainly associated with vasodialation (i.e. headache, flushing and small decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure). Authors report the occurrence of atrial fibrillation after the use of sildenafil in a normal healthy individual. To the best of our knowledge, there are only few case reports in the literature showing occurrence of atrial fibrillation with use of sildenafil.