Could viagra prevent strokes in heart pump patients?

NCT ID NCT06510322

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Montefiore Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This early-phase trial tests whether sildenafil (the drug in Viagra) can reduce blood vessel damage in people with advanced heart failure who have a mechanical heart pump (LVAD). LVADs help patients live longer, but they often cause blood vessel aging that leads to strokes or bleeding. The study will give 50 participants either sildenafil or a placebo and use ultrasound and a tiny camera pill to check blood vessel health over 180 days.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Sildenafil (the drug in Viagra)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to prevent strokes and bleeding in heart failure patients with a mechanical heart pump.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small trial (50 people) testing a drug already used for other conditions. It may not show benefit, and sildenafil can cause side effects like headache, flushing, or low blood pressure.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

advanced heart failure heart failure vascular disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

VASCULAR DISEASES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Montefiore Medical Center
RECRUITING

The Bronx, New York, 10461, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.