Scientists initially investigated sildenafil citrate for its potential to relax blood vessels, specifically addressing the symptoms of angina pectoris. Angina, chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, was the primary focus of early research.
Studies explored sildenafil’s impact on nitric oxide, a molecule crucial for blood vessel dilation. Researchers observed that sildenafil enhanced nitric oxide’s effects, leading to improved blood flow in animal models.
These promising preclinical findings spurred clinical trials in patients with angina. However, the results were less impressive than hoped. While some patients experienced slight improvements in blood flow, the effects weren’t strong enough to warrant widespread clinical use for angina treatment.
Despite the mixed results in angina treatment, researchers noticed a fascinating side effect during clinical trials: a significant increase in erectile function among male participants. This unexpected outcome redirected the focus of sildenafil research towards the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
The initial research into sildenafil’s cardiovascular effects, although not entirely successful in treating angina, laid the groundwork for its later development as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
