Interní Med. 2015; 17(4): 185-187

Testosterone therapy and cardiovascular risk

prof.MUDr.Jan Čáp, CSc.

IV. interní hematologická klinika LF UK a FN, Hradec Králové

Testosterone level in men declines with age and if symptomatic, testosterone substitution is indicated. Low testosterone level in aging male

is associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, hyperlipidaemia, decreased insulin sensitivity, increased

inflammatory markers) and in some studies also with increased total and cardiovascular mortality. In majority of interventional studies

testosterone substitution improves these risk factors and in some the decrease of cardiovascular mortality was described. However, recent

studies have raised concerns that testosterone therapy may increase cardiovascular risk. This review summarizes these data with conclusion

that testosterone therapy can be safely considered in men with increased cardiovascular risk and practical recommendations are given.

Keywords: male hypogonadism, testosterone, substitution, cardiovascular risk

Published: September 19, 2015  Show citation