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Published on: December 11, 2017

Effect of testosterone therapy on QT dispersion in men with heart failure

Chris J Malkin1, Paul D Morris, Peter J Pugh

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|November 12, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Physiologic testosterone therapy in men with heart failure reduced heart electrical variability (QT dispersion). Testosterone did not significantly affect other cardiac electrophysiology measures in either heart failure or coronary disease cohorts.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Cardiac electrophysiology effects of testosterone are not well understood.
  • Testosterone therapy is used for various conditions, but its impact on heart function requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of physiologic testosterone therapy on cardiac electrophysiology.
  • To assess these effects in men with stable coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • Two cohorts of men were studied: one with stable coronary disease, the other with congestive heart failure.
  • Physiologic testosterone therapy was administered, and cardiac electrophysiology parameters were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Testosterone therapy led to a reduction in QT dispersion in the congestive heart failure cohort.
  • No significant effects on other cardiac electrophysiology parameters were observed in either cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Physiologic testosterone therapy may have a beneficial effect on cardiac electrical stability in men with heart failure.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the electrophysiologic effects of testosterone in cardiovascular disease.

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