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An update on testosterone, HDL and cardiovascular risk in men
Arthi Thirumalai1, Katya B Rubinow2, Stephanie T Page3
1University of Washington, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356426, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Insights
Testosterone replacement therapy
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Men's Health
Background:
- Rising testosterone prescriptions in the USA lack clear cardiovascular risk understanding.
- Age-related testosterone decline correlates with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- Observational data suggest links between hypogonadism and cardiovascular disease, but testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) efficacy is unproven.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on the relationship between testosterone and cardiovascular disease.
- To investigate the effects of testosterone on lipids, particularly HDL, and their potential role in cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on testosterone and cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of research examining testosterone's impact on lipid profiles, including HDL cholesterol.
Main Results:
- Recent literature raises concerns about increased cardiovascular disease risk in some men on TRT.
- The precise relationship between androgens and cardiovascular health remains unclear.
- Testosterone's specific effects on HDL cholesterol warrant further investigation in relation to clinical cardiovascular effects.
Conclusions:
- The cardiovascular safety and efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy require further rigorous investigation.
- Understanding the impact of testosterone on lipid metabolism is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk.
- More research is needed to clarify the complex interplay between testosterone, androgens, and cardiovascular disease.
Abstract:
Testosterone prescriptions have risen steadily and sharply in the USA despite a lack of clear understanding of the relationship between androgens and cardiovascular disease. In men with increasing age, testosterone levels decline and cardiovascular disease risk goes up. Ties between hypogonadism and cardiovascular disease are suggested by observational data, yet therapy with testosterone replacement has not been shown to mitigate that risk. To the contrary, recent literature has raised concern for increased cardiovascular disease in certain groups of men receiving testosterone therapy. In this article, we review current literature in an attempt to better understand what it suggests is the true relationship between testosterone and cardiovascular disease. We also take a closer look at effects of testosterone on lipids and HDL in particular, to see if this explains the cardiovascular effects seen in clinical studies.
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