Raised Testosterone Levels a Threat to Heart Health

Elevated systemic concentrations of testosterone could pose a threat to heart health. While raised testosterone levels can influence the heart, there are ways to work to regulate your testosterone levels.

Testosterone Overview

Testosterone is the primary sexual and reproductive hormone in men and though it is not concentrated in the levels seen in men. It plays an important job in a woman’s body, as well. The substance plays an integral role in helping individuals build muscle mass and bone structure, develop and grow sexual organs, maintain libido (sex drive), gain the ability to reproduce, generate red blood cells, and prevent bodily accumulation of fat.

Elevated Bodily Concentrations

Increased amounts of the hormone can precipitate profound effects on both men and women. In men, elevated levels can bring about early puberty (when at a pre-pubescent age), unsightly bodily changes, numerous health issues, and infertility. Women might experience increased hair growth, various reproductive system disorders, and the development of a more masculine body characterized by increased muscle mass.

Abnormally excessive bodily concentrations of the substance might be precipitated by a variety of biological and external causes. Some of the more common factors include a host of reproductive system ailments, various hormonal imbalances caused by diseases of the hormone-producing glands and organs, specific types of cancer and the use of anabolic steroids.

Impact on the Heart

Normal systemic concentrations of the hormone do not seem to have any serious effect on the heart. However, elevated bodily levels can precipitate serious, potentially life-threatening physical manifestations.

A research study led by scientists representing the New York School of Public Health at the City University of New York concluded that excessive quantities could precipitate dangerous side effects such as cardiovascular disorders: high blood pressure, strokes, blood clots, and heart attacks.

The researchers studied more than 3,000 men between the ages of 50 and 75 who were taking part in a global prostate cancer prevention program. The goal was to determine if elevated hormonal levels were the result of any genetic predisposition. Then, they compared the findings with information collected on more than 300,000 British individuals (both men and women) to conclude if the latter carried any of the same predispositions.

The team discovered that many of the subjects with increased hormonal levels carried a gene known to elevate testosterone levels, which is thought to substantially increase the risk of blood clots in men and heart attacks in both sexes. The medical professionals caution that this research does not offer any definitive conclusions but should serve as caution for individuals with elevated hormonal levels or those who possess risks associated with the development or exacerbation of various heart and cardiovascular ailments.

Possible Remedial Efforts

Persons with elevated hormonal concentrations or with significant risk factors, including a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated blood concentrations of bad cholesterol, are strongly urged to carefully monitor their health. Some health-benefiting techniques include the following:

• Regulating Hormonal Levels – Should individuals experience elevated hormonal levels, their first step should be to identify the precipitating cause. Once the factors are identified, the most appropriate course of treatment can be initiated.
• Adopting Healthier Lifestyle Choices – Those who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular illnesses or have a family history of them may be able to prevent further problems by exercising, identifying positive outlets for stress, consuming a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients and eliminating potentially harmful vices like cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol intake.