An unusual adverse effect of sildenafil citrate: acute myocardial infarction in a nitrate-free patient

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Oct 19:2012:bcr2012006504. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006504.

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI) associated with sildenafil citrate is seen rarely in patients without any history of coronary artery disease. We report a nitrate-free patient with a history of cardiovascular risk factors who developed acute MI after taking sildenafil. A 44-year-old man diagnosed with acute anterior ST segment elevation MI 120 min after self-administration of 150 mg sildenafil was admitted before attempting any sexual intercourse. The coronary angiography revealed 99% occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and a bare-metal stent was implanted. He was discharged after 5 days without any complication. Sildenafil may cause coronary steal or may lead to vasodilation causing hypotension in patient with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, especially in patients on nitrate therapy. Our patient was nitrate free, with normal blood pressure values. Emotional stimulation associated with anticipated sexual activity may have been a triggering factor for vulnerable coronary plaque rupture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure
  • Coitus / psychology
  • Coronary Occlusion / complications*
  • Coronary Occlusion / surgery
  • Coronary Vessels / drug effects*
  • Coronary Vessels / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / chemically induced*
  • Myocardial Infarction / psychology
  • Myocardial Infarction / surgery
  • Nitrates / therapeutic use
  • Piperazines / adverse effects*
  • Purines / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Stents
  • Sulfones / adverse effects*
  • Vasodilator Agents / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Nitrates
  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Sildenafil Citrate