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Testosterone is commonly called the “male hormone.” Though it’s essential to health in both males and females, the male body contains far more of this. Male’s levels of testosterone decrease with age and begin to decline about the time a male reaches age 40. This means that certain aspects of a person’s health – including heart health – will begin to decline.
This guide explains how low testosterone levels can lead to heart failure!
Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, is where the body fails to produce adequate testosterone. It is not a matter of poor blood numbers; it refers to low numbers with symptoms that impact quality of life, including:
Research has shown that there’s a link between testosterone levels and heart health. Men with low testosterone seem to be at higher risk for various heart problems, including heart failure. But it’s important to note that the relationship is complex and not fully understood.
According to a study published, men with low testosterone had a 33% higher risk of death and cardiovascular events compared to those with normal levels.
Studies indicate a link between low testosterone and heart failure, but it is not known whether the level of testosterone leads to heart failure. The most logical conclusion is that it is a bidirectional relationship: low testosterone may lead to heart problems; conversely, heart failure may be harmful and inevitably lower the testosterone levels.
Testosterone can influence heart health in several ways:
Testosterone keeps the blood vessels healthy, firm, and flexible. Low amounts make them stiffer thereby increasing risks of heart problems.
Testosterone maintains muscular strength and also controls body fat. Low levels are suspected to add more body fat, particularly around the waist, which raises a person’s risk of heart disease.
Some studies indicate that low testosterone has a connection with unhealthy cholesterol levels, although the reasons are not precisely understood.
Testosterone influences the use of insulin within the human body. Lower levels might be associated with a predisposition to insulin resistance, which is a precursory diabetes and risk factor for heart disease.
For those already diagnosed with heart failure, low testosterone levels seem to be associated with:
A study published found that men with heart failure and low testosterone had a significantly higher risk of hospitalization compared to those with normal testosterone levels.
Low testosterone may be linked with heart problems, which raises the question of whether or not TRT can be helpful.
Some studies have demonstrated a good outcome. For instance, one study found the following improvements with TRT in men suffering from heart failure:
Long-term effects of TRT on heart health, particularly in older men, are being explored. Other issues continue to exist about perceived risks, particularly in men with pre-existing cardiac disease.
If you’re worried about your testosterone levels and heart health, then do consider the following:
If you have symptoms of low testosterone, especially if you have heart disease or otherwise are at high risk, ask your doctor to test your levels.
Most factors in heart health must be in check. Some of these factors, though not related to testosterone levels, include maintaining healthy weight, regular exercises, a balanced diet, and that one does not smoke.
If you have low testosterone, discuss the potential benefits and risks of TRT with your doctor. The decision is based on your health, symptoms, and risk factors.
When you are starting treatment with TRT, follow-up visits and blood tests may be necessary for checking your progress and detecting side effects.
But, although the relationship between low testosterone and heart failure is not simple, there is emerging evidence of an important one. That low levels of testosterone may actually be a risk factor for both heart problems and for those already with heart disease reinforces the idea that there must be something to this link-but there’s still much to be learned, including, at a minimum, just how to prevent and treat it.
If you have concerns about your testosterone or heart health, the best action to take is to seek advice from a doctor, as they are in a better position to elucidate upon your personal risk factors and work on formulating a better health plan.
Remember that maintaining heart health is dependent on many factors other than hormone levels. A holistic approach which stresses healthy lifestyles, regular visits with doctors, and an open relationship with a healthcare team will always keep the heart and body fit.
Yes, some changes to lifestyle can enhance the production of testosterone naturally. Keep your weight healthy, have a regimen of exercising, especially strength training, get enough sleep, and manage stress.
Researchers continue to study how safe TRT is for men who have heart problems. Talking about risks and benefits in relation to a physician who knows about heart health and hormone treatment is important.
Women have far lower levels of testosterone compared to men. Still, women can also have low testosterone. In women, there is little study of the effects on heart health, while there is much in men.
Doctors usually diagnose the condition by performing blood tests to check the testosterone levels while observing symptoms. One should note that the level of testosterone varies with the day, therefore, when it is high in the morning, the tests are usually done at this time.
