According to the American Heart Association (AHA), erectile dysfunction treatment drugs are safe for use in heart and stroke patients whose conditions are stable, report MedPage Today.

The AHA statement published online in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that widely available impotence drugs, such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis can be used for treating sexual problems in male patients with stable cardiovascular disease.

According to the guidelines of AHA, safety of erectile dysfunction drugs in patients receiving nitrate therapy is an issue due to the threat of coronary artery disease, notes the online medical news service. The study authors warned patients against receiving nitrate therapy within 24 hours of using sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra) and 48 hours for taking tadalafil (Cialis).

Commenting about the sexual activity of people with a history of stroke and cardiovascular problems, Glenn Levine, MD, of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and lead author of the statement said patients with stable cardiovascular disease can safely engage in sex.

Other recommendations by the AHA for sexual activity among patients with cardiovascular disease include regular physical activity for reducing cardiovascular complications related to sexual activity, learns MedPage Today.

Women with cardiovascular disease were advised by the AHA to seek medical a consultation regarding birth control pills and pregnancy, while postmenopausal women with cardiovascular disease were allowed to use topical oestrogen for treating painful intercourse.

According to the guidelines, patients should not stop taking prescribed drugs for cardiovascular disease, as they might be linked to sexual dysfunction. Emphasising the importance of further research on sexual activity for specific cardiovascular conditions, Levine said more studies should of address sexual concerns of patients with cardiovascular disease to help them improve sexual activity.