Popular erectile dysfunction drug Viagra could be used in patients with diastolic heart failure to relax the stiff heart muscle.

The researchers tested the effect in animals and expressed confidence that they will soon be able to translate it into human testing. Viagra, or sildenafil citrate, was originally created as a potential cure for high blood pressure and heart disease but resulted in the unexpected inducing of penile erections.
“The titin molecules are similar to rubber bands. They contribute decisively to the stiffness of the cardiac walls. The activity of the protein kinase G causes titin to relax. This makes the cardiac walls more elastic. The effect occurs within minutes of administering the drug”, Professor Linke said.
Source-Medindia