Cardiovascular Issues Related to Low Testosterone
Many health concerns become more prevalent as we age. Few younger men have to worry about issues like heart attacks and stroke. But for those of us in the older generation, those health concerns become very real threats. The common thought is that heart disease derives from lack of physical activity, high blood pressure, and genetics. A new concept is being reviewed by researchers, whom believe low testosterone levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
How are Testosterone and Heart Disease Related?
Testosterone is usually thought of when speaking of sex drive – or lack of. Men who have a deficiency in this hormone seem to also develop symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Weight Gain
- Decreasing Muscle Mass
- Declining Libido
- Lack of Concentration
- Poor Sleeping Patterns
Aside from these somewhat ‘normal’ effects of a low testosterone levels, the lack of the hormone may also lead to heart problems, like:
- Blot Clots
- Irregular Heart Rhythms
- Other Serious Heart Abnormalities
What Are the Causes?
A man’s testosterone levels start to decrease after he reaches the age of 30, with side effects happening around the time he turns 50. Though testosterone deficiency is common in older men, scientists have concluded that low testosterone levels and heart disease are both a result of bad health habits.
Though information regarding the subject is still being questioned, it is thought that testosterone deficiency’s effect on blood pressure and blood sugar levels have something to do with the risk of men developing heart disease.
Keep in Mind…
With all this information, it is easy to assume that low testosterone levels leads to heart disease, but it has yet to be proven completely accurate. However, there is ample proof that a correlation exists between irregular testosterone levels and heart issues:
- Animals who receive testosterone develop enlarged hearts.
- Athletes who abuse testosterone increased their risk of higher blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks.
- Men who receive treatment for prostate cancer- which then lowers their testosterone level to almost zero- showed an increase in cholesterol levels.
What You Should Take Away From This Article
You should realize that cardiac disease and testosterone have not been proven to correlate with each other. However, there is evidence that suggest a link between the two. There is no single way to prevent against heart disease, but taking care of your body will definitely help. Eat right, exercise, stay away from tobacco, and have your testosterone levels checked regularly.