Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
04:41

Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease

Published on: July 3, 2018

Low testosterone level in middle-aged male patients with coronary artery disease

Xiaorong Hu1, Li Rui, Tongjian Zhu

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.

European Journal of Internal Medicine
|November 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Low testosterone levels are linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) in middle-aged men. Lower testosterone correlates with more severe coronary artery stenosis, indicating a potential protective role for testosterone.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Men's Health

Background:

  • Endogenous testosterone is recognized for its protective effects against cardiovascular diseases in men.
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects middle-aged men, with testosterone levels potentially influencing disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in testosterone levels among middle-aged men diagnosed with CAD.
  • To examine the relationship between serum testosterone concentration and the severity of coronary artery stenosis in these patients.

Main Methods:

  • Serum testosterone levels were quantified in 87 middle-aged male patients with CAD (stable angina pectoris, unstable angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction).
  • Coronary angiography was performed, and stenosis severity was assessed using the Gensini coronary score.
  • Patients with less than 50% coronary artery stenosis severity were designated as the control group.

Main Results:

  • Testosterone levels were significantly lower in patients with stable angina pectoris (488.2 ± 96.8 ng/dl), unstable angina pectoris (411.6 ± 128.6 ng/dl), and acute myocardial infarction (365.3 ± 116.6 ng/dl) compared to controls (562.8 ± 110.2 ng/dl).
  • Testosterone levels were lowest in the acute myocardial infarction group, intermediate in the unstable angina pectoris group, and highest in the stable angina pectoris group (all p<0.05).
  • A significant negative correlation was observed between the Gensini score and testosterone levels (r=-0.513, p<0.05). Testosterone and BMI were identified as independent predictors for CAD.

Conclusions:

  • Middle-aged men with CAD exhibit reduced serum testosterone levels.
  • A negative correlation exists between testosterone levels and the severity of coronary artery stenosis in male CAD patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...