Erectile dysfunction and sildenafil citrate and cardiologists.

Since the release of sildenafil citrate (Viagra), increasing numbers of patients are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Many of the risk factors for ED are the same as those for cardiac disease. Sildenafil citrate is a highly effective oral agent for ED. It is absolutely contraindicated in patients receiving organic nitrates. The issue of cardiac deaths associated with sildenafil citrate and ways of potentially minimizing these cases are discussed.