Role of testosterone in the treatment of cardiovascular disease
File(s)Testosterone and CVD_Eur Cardiol Rev_28 Sep 2017.docx (2.32 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Webb, CM
Collins, P
Type
Journal Article
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.
Date Issued
2017-11-06
Date Acceptance
2017-09-29
Citation
European Cardiology Review, 2017, 12 (2)
ISSN
1758-3756
Publisher
Radcliffe Cardiology
Journal / Book Title
European Cardiology Review
Volume
12
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
© 2017 Radcliffe Cardiology. All rights reserved. This accepted version is posted by permission of Radcliffe Cardiology for personal use only.
Sponsor
Imperial College Trust
Grant Number
N/A
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2017-11-06