The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published a study suggesting that sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), as well as being a successful treatment for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, may also be appropriate for the alleviation of heart symptoms which come with muscular dystrophy.
The group behind the study tested the drug on mice that were genetically engineered to suffer a condition similar to that of muscular dystrophy. The drug was found to improve the functioning of the heart in these cases. They said that the drug would not treat this muscular dystrophy sufficiently on its own but would provide a benefit if taken in conjunction with other treatments.
They did not uncover how in fact the Viagra improved the heart health in the mice but that their discoveries could be tried as a therapy for muscular dystrophy. Sildenafil is marketed as Revatio when sold as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension and aids the flow of blood. It seems likely that more uses for sildenafil will be discovered in time.