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Role of Testosterone in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
Carolyn M Webb1, Peter Collins1
1Vascular Biology, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust London, UK.
Insights
Low testosterone levels are linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in men. This review examines testosterone
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of death.
- Testosterone, a key sex hormone, influences cardiovascular health and risk factors.
- Declining testosterone levels with age correlate with CVD and mortality risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of testosterone in cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathophysiology.
- To examine the cardiovascular effects of testosterone replacement therapy.
- To discuss current evidence, expert opinions, and controversies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies and expert opinions.
- Analysis of research on testosterone's direct and indirect effects on the cardiovascular system.
- Examination of testosterone's impact on CVD risk factors and mortality.
Main Results:
- Reduced testosterone levels are associated with premature coronary artery disease and heart failure.
- Low testosterone may affect cardiac repolarization.
- The link between testosterone and CVD in women remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone plays a complex role in cardiovascular health.
- Further research is needed to clarify testosterone's impact on CVD, especially in women.
- Testosterone replacement therapy has cardiovascular implications requiring careful consideration.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most prevalent non-communicable cause of death worldwide. Testosterone is a sex hormone that is predominant in males but also occurs in lower concentrations in females. It has effects directly on the blood vessels of the cardiovascular system and on the heart, as well as effects on risk factors for CVD. Serum testosterone concentrations are known to decrease with age and reduced testosterone levels are linked to premature coronary artery disease, unfavourable effects on CVD risk factors and increased risk of cardiovascular mortality independent of age. A significant number of men with heart failure demonstrate reduced serum testosterone concentrations and there is early evidence suggesting that low testosterone levels affect cardiac repolarisation. Any association between endogenous testosterone concentrations and CVD in women has yet to be established. Testosterone replacement is used to treat men with hypogonadism but also has cardiovascular effects. This review will present the current evidence, expert opinion and controversies around the role of testosterone in the pathophysiology of CVD and surrounding the use of testosterone treatment and its effects on the cardiovascular system and CVD.
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