Testosterone supplementation reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events!

That was the results of a multi-year study out of Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Salt Lake City. The purpose of the research was to see if the use of testosterone therapy for heart health would help elderly men with pre-existing coronary artery disease who were also diagnosed with low levels of testosterone. [1]

The research results showed that for those men who did not receive supplemental testosterone, heart disease adverse events were 80 percent more likely to occur.

The 755 men with severe coronary artery disease included in the study were age fifty-eight to seventy-eight and received either a placebo, testosterone gel, or testosterone injection.

The findings of the study on testosterone and heart health were:

• After one year: 64 patients who did not receive testosterone suffered major cardiovascular events compared to 12 who received a medium dose of testosterone and 9 who used higher doses
• Following three years of study: 125 patients who did not receive testosterone compared to 38 in the medium dose and 22 in the higher dose group suffered events

These findings are impressive and provide excellent insight into the testosterone deficiency heart disease link. Furthermore, this 2016 study backed up the one they did in 2015 that showed that men without a history of heart disease who received testosterone did not have an increased risk of an attack or stroke.

Impact of Testosterone on Cardiovascular Functions

While the study out of Intermountain is good news, it is also important to look at why testosterone is important for cardiovascular functions.

Here are some key testosterone heart effects everyone should know:

1. Testosterone helps to maintain proper cholesterol and triglyceride levels
2. Testosterone reduced blood pressure
3. Testosterone helps to maintain proper blood sugar levels
4. Testosterone helps balance liver enzymes
5. Testosterone also helps improve metabolism to aid in weight loss
6. Testosterone increase red blood cell production to supply the heart with enough blood
7. Testosterone increases coronary blood flow and has a vasodilatory effect
8. Testosterone lowers the risk of atherosclerosis

In one testosterone heart attack study reported by Harvard Men’s Health Watch, men who had normal testosterone levels but were diagnosed with atherosclerosis and received short-term testosterone treatment saw an improvement in blood flow and vascular reactivity. [2]

While there is no proof of cause related to low testosterone, heart disease risk is increased in men diagnosed with Low T.

Does this mean that it is beneficial to receive testosterone after a heart attack?

Numerous studies now point to the safety of testosterone therapy for heart health, even in men who have a history of cardiovascular disease.

Heart Health Benefits to Expect from Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone is heart protective. It helps to improve not only heart functions, but many of the conditions that can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.

In fact, when looking at testosterone heart benefits, these are some of the ways doctors tell men (and women) to reduce their chance of cardiovascular disease:

• Weight loss
• Lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Decrease high blood pressure
• Balance blood glucose levels
• Increase exercise

The use of testosterone for heart health does all the above and reverses signs of anemia by increasing red blood cell production in bone marrow.

When it comes to using testosterone replacement therapy, heart disease benefits were only seen when the right dosage of medication was prescribed. Too little testosterone did not bring the desired benefits, and too much could actually have an adverse reaction. That is why doctors previously thought that testosterone was dangerous for the heart. When looking at bodybuilders and athletes who use testosterone illegally to increase their T levels to a point higher than normal for physical enhancement, that is when adverse events can occur. Increasing testosterone in individuals with Low T to a more normal level results in positive results for the heart.

For additional information about testosterone therapy for heart health, or to speak with a clinical advisor about hormone testing and replacement treatment options, please contact Kingsberg HRT Clinic at (954) 800-5590 for a free phone consultation.