Viagra, the little blue pill for erectile and sexual dysfunction has been declared a banned substance in the world of sports. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency, the capacity of the drug to dilate blood vessels in the body and be able to increase oxygen capacity is an unfair advantage when brought into the world of sports. As reported, the blue pill can allow the user to breathe in near sea level capacity when in high altitudes. This finding has been ably supported by studies conducted by the Human Performance Laboratory headed by its director Kenneth W Rundell.

A study conducted by the Laboratory on lacrosse players in Marywood University shows the performance enhancements that Viagra brings to high altitude competition. The study, which has brought mixed reactions, is being funded by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Since the laboratory tests indicate the qualities it has, its misuse may lead to the determination that the substance is to be banned.

Sildenafil citrate is the scientific name for Viagra. It was initially formulated to address pulmonary hypertension or increase blood pressure in the lung arteries. The drug operates by suppressing an enzyme that monitors blood flow, allowing the relaxation and thus widening of the vessel. Viagra operates in the same concept for impotent men. But for an athlete, the widening of the arteries would allow more rich oxygenated blood to flow making the build up of fatigue chemicals and the performance of muscles much more efficient and effective in increasing endurance.

Some though take the study with a grin and grain of salt. The director of the Olympic drug-testing lab located at UCLA Anthony Butch finds that Viagra would only be able to provide that edge if it were taken with a combination of other drugs. The capacity of the drug to alter peak performance would prove to be too miniscule to notice. The problem is similar to the use of the human growth hormone for performance enhancement. But the mere belief that it can provide a competitive advantage may even overshadow the actual effect it may have but the mere belief it can provide such is enough to encourage its abuse. And Dr Butch identifies is the crux of the problem.

Many athletes have tried all sorts of chemicals and compounds, from bull’s testicles to veterinary steroids to gain that elusive advantage. Rumors spread several years back that Viagra gave this advantage to racing dogs. This was the start of it all as identified by Travis Tygart, CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency.

This was further enhanced by a study conducted by Stanford University. In the Journal of Applied Physiology, a paper was published which showed significant performance improvements were observed in those who took Viagra and participated in ten kilometer cycling trials it conducted at altitudes of 12, 700 feet. The performance increased by as much as 40 percent at this high altitude and at sea level there was no difference.

This has made Viagra a notable drug for improvement of cardiac efficiency. And it is for this purpose, not only for its bedroom qualities but also for its cardiac vessel dilatory effects to help the athlete go further than their normal capacities.

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