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Elevated LH predicts ischaemic heart disease events in older men: the Health in Men Study

Zoë Hyde1, Paul E Norman, Leon Flicker

  • 1Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing (M570), Centre for Medical Research, Western Australian Institute for Medical Research School of Medicine and Pharmacology School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.

European Journal of Endocrinology
|February 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Low testosterone levels in older men are linked to increased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) events. However, higher luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were associated with reduced survival, suggesting hormonal axis dysregulation as a potential IHD risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Male hypogonadism is linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and adverse lipid profiles.
  • The association between age-related testosterone decline and ischemic heart disease (IHD) events remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and luteinizing hormone (LH) predict IHD events in older men.
  • To explore the relationship between hormonal levels and cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 3637 men aged 70-88 years.
  • Clinical and biochemical assessments of cardiovascular risk factors, testosterone, SHBG, and LH.
  • Follow-up for IHD events (hospital admission or death) via electronic records.

Main Results:

  • Higher baseline total and free testosterone levels were associated with fewer IHD events.
  • These associations persisted after adjusting for age and waist-to-hip ratio.
  • Elevated LH levels were linked to reduced event-free survival, even after adjustments.

Conclusions:

  • Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis may represent a risk factor for IHD.
  • Further research is recommended for men with elevated LH or low testosterone levels.
Abstract

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