Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Cardiovascular Disease: Balancing Safety and Risks in Hypogonadal Men

Curr Cardiol Rep. 2023 Oct;25(10):1157-1163. doi: 10.1007/s11886-023-01935-1. Epub 2023 Sep 21.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to analyze the link between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. RECENT FINDINGS: A few published studies suggest a link between TRT and CV events. These studies contained flaws, and many other studies reveal a reduction in CV events. Hypogonadism is associated with increased mortality in men with CVD. TRT in hypogonadal men can improve many CVD risk factors, reduce QT interval prolongation, lead to better outcomes in heart failure patients, and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. The use of TRT to achieve physiologic testosterone concentrations in men does not pose a threat to CV health and has demonstrated a cardioprotective effect.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Heart; Hypogonadal men; Myocardial infarction; Testosterone; Testosterone replacement therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Heart Failure* / drug therapy
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Testosterone / adverse effects

Substances

  • Testosterone