Sex Steroids and Heart Health in Older Men.
The Mystery of Sex Steroids and Heart Health
Heart health and sex hormones are closely tied. We know from research that sex hormones, like testosterone, can have protective effects on men's hearts. Yet, we still have a lot to learn about how these hormones work. One thing we do know is that the build-up of calcium in your heart's arteries, known as coronary artery calcification (CAC), can lead to heart disease. However, the CAC process is complex and not fully understood.The Research Objective: A Deep Dive into Sex Steroids and CAC
In this research, scientists aimed to understand the relationship between different sex hormones and CAC in older men. They measured levels of multiple hormones, like testosterone and estradiol, in elderly men from a population-based study in Reykjavik.How the Study was Conducted
Researchers used a technique called gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to analyze the men's hormone levels. They also calculated how much of these hormones were available in the body. Finally, they used computed tomography, a type of X-ray, to determine the CAC scores of the men.Discovering the Links between Sex Steroids and CAC
The results were intriguing: levels of certain hormones, including testosterone, were found to be inversely associated with CAC, meaning that men with higher hormone levels had lower CAC scores. On the other hand, some other hormones like estradiol showed no such relationship with CAC. That being said, higher testosterone leads to higher estradiol levels if supplementing. But higher levels of estradiol can be seen alone with low levels of testosterone in obese populations and those that are significantly insulin resistant. This suggests that certain sex hormones may indeed play a protective role against CAC in elderly men.The Intricacies of Sex Steroids' Role in Heart Health
Sex steroids play a vital role in many bodily functions, including reproduction and metabolism. Certain ones, like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione, circulate in the body at high levels and are converted to active hormones, like testosterone, in target tissues. However, the protective effects of sex steroids on the heart are not fully understood and continue to be a subject of ongoing research.Understanding the Role of Sex Steroids in Cardiovascular Events
In the past, higher levels of DHEA and testosterone have been linked to lower risks of heart events in older men. However, contradictory results have emerged from studies on testosterone supplementation in older men and treatments involving hormone deprivation for prostate cancer. Therefore, the cardiovascular actions of sex steroids remain a complex and elusive subject.Looking at Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC)
CAC is a key factor in the development of heart disease. This process, which involves the deposit of hydroxyapatite crystals in the blood vessels, has been recognized as a significant predictor of future heart events, often better than traditional risk factors. As such, the relationship between sex steroids and CAC is of great clinical importance.Discrepancies in Prior Research on Sex Steroids and CAC
Earlier studies that explored the link between sex steroids and CAC reported mixed results. Some found an inverse relationship between free testosterone and CAC, while others found no significant associations. These inconsistencies highlight the need for further research in this area using more sensitive and reliable methods.Aiming for a Comprehensive Understanding of Sex Steroids and CAC
This study aimed to provide a clearer picture of the relationship between a comprehensive sex steroid profile and CAC in elderly men
Here is another clear example of the need for higher levels of Testosterone as men age in order to keep vasculature healthy and prevent cardiac issues. Jason & Rita.
