Verbatim response from Claude
Online ED Consults and Cardiac Safety
This is a really important question. The answer varies significantly by provider quality.
What Good Platforms Actually Do
Reputable services like Hims, Roman, Keeps, and Rex MD will:
- Ask detailed questions about heart conditions, recent heart attacks, or strokes
- Screen for nitrate medications (the dangerous interaction with ED meds)
- Ask about blood pressure and current medications
- Flag high-risk patients for refusal or physician follow-up
The Real Limitations
- They rely on your honest self-reporting - no physical exam
- No EKG or stress test
- A rushed questionnaire isn't the same as a cardiologist's assessment
My Honest Recommendation
If you have known heart disease, see your actual doctor first. Online platforms are generally fine for healthy men with situational ED.
For cardiac screening specifically, Roman and Hims have relatively thorough intake questionnaires and licensed physicians reviewing each case, not just algorithms.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Sites that skip medical questionnaires entirely
- No physician review mentioned
- Suspiciously cheap pricing with no consultation
Bottom line: Legitimate platforms do basic safety screening, but they're not a substitute for cardiac evaluation if you have existing heart concerns. Talk to your cardiologist first in that case.