Testosterone Threshold for Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Middle-Aged and Elderly Men: A Locally Weighted...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Men's Health

Background:

• Testosterone deficiency is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• The specific testosterone threshold indicating elevated CVD risk requires further definition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine a discriminatory testosterone level below which cardiovascular disease risk escalates.
• To investigate the impact of sexual dysfunction on testosterone thresholds for CVD risk.

Main Methods:

• 876 men aged 45–74 underwent health checkups.
• Framingham Risk Score estimated 10-year CVD risk; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) ≥1 mg/L indicated increased risk.
• Locally weighted regression identified testosterone thresholds for CVD risk and hsCRP.

Main Results:

• A total testosterone level of 440 ng/dL correlated with increased Framingham CVD risk.
• Testosterone levels of 480 ng/dL were associated with increased hsCRP.
• Men with sexual dysfunction had a higher CVD risk threshold (300–350 ng/dL) compared to those without (425–475 ng/dL).

Conclusions:

• A testosterone threshold of 440 ng/dL is linked to increased 10-year CVD risk in middle-aged and elderly men.
• Sexual dysfunction influences the testosterone threshold for CVD risk, with higher thresholds observed in men experiencing sexual dysfunction.
• Further research is needed to validate these testosterone thresholds for CVD risk assessment.