Verbatim response from Perplexity
Sometimes, yes—but not always to the same degree as an in-person visit. A legitimate online ED consult should review your medical history, current medications, and major heart-related contraindications like nitrates, recent heart attack/stroke, and certain blood pressure issues before prescribing.[2][3][4][7]
What a good online ED consult usually checks:
- Heart and blood vessel history: recent heart disease, stroke, or blood vessel problems can make ED drugs unsafe.[1][3][4][5]
- Blood pressure: very high or very low blood pressure is a red flag.[1][3][4][5]
- Drug interactions: especially nitrates, some alpha-blockers, and some CYP3A4-affecting drugs.[1][3][4][5]
- Other conditions: liver or kidney disease can also change safety.[1][3][5]
What it may not do:
- It may not include a full physical exam, ECG, or cardiology workup unless your answers suggest a higher-risk heart problem.[3][4]
- Some low-quality sites may only ask a few questions and still prescribe, which is not a proper safety check.[2][4]
A practical rule: if the service is licensed, requires a questionnaire, reviews your health history and medications, and offers access to a licensed clinician, it is more likely to screen for heart safety appropriately.[2][7] If it does not ask about nitrates, chest pain, heart disease, or blood pressure, that is a warning sign.[1][2][4]
If you want, I can also give you a quick checklist of questions a legit ED telehealth visit should ask before prescribing.