Testosterone and coronary artery disease in men
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Published on: August 18, 2016
Carolyn M Webb1, Peter Collins
1Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK. c.webb@imperial.ac.uk
Insights
Low testosterone levels are linked to worse coronary artery disease (CAD) in men. This review explores testosterone
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of mortality.
- Lower endogenous testosterone levels correlate with increased CAD extent and severity in men.
- Testosterone influences CAD risk factors and vascular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of endogenous testosterone and testosterone therapy on CAD.
- To examine testosterone's effects on CAD risk factors, vascular health, and atheroma.
- To discuss the potential therapeutic role of testosterone in men with CAD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on testosterone and cardiovascular health.
- Analysis of research on testosterone's effects on vascular tone, vasoreactivity, and blood flow.
- Examination of evidence regarding testosterone's influence on atheroma development and progression.
Main Results:
- Testosterone affects multiple CAD risk factors.
- Testosterone influences vascular tone, vasoreactivity, and blood flow.
- Evidence suggests a role for testosterone in atheroma progression.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone plays a role in CAD pathogenesis.
- Testosterone therapy may have potential benefits for men with CAD.
- Further research is warranted on testosterone's therapeutic applications in cardiovascular disease.
Abstract:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cardiovascular cause of death, and in men, endogenous testosterone concentrations are inversely related to the extent and severity of CAD. Testosterone is known to affect a number of risk factors for CAD and has effects on vascular tone, vasoreactivity and blood flow of blood vessels beyond the reproductive system, indicating that testosterone may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAD. In this review we will present and discuss the actions of endogenous testosterone and testosterone treatment on risk factors for CAD, on the blood vessel wall and blood flow, and on atheroma development and progression, and discuss the potential for testosterone use in men with CAD.
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