Low-dose transdermal testosterone therapy improves angina threshold in men with chronic stable angina: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
BACKGROUND
Experimental studies suggest that androgens induce coronary vasodilatation. We performed this pilot project to examine the clinical effects of long-term low-dose androgens in men with angina.


RESULTS
Forty-six men with stable angina completed a 2-week, single-blind placebo run-in, followed by double-blind randomization to 5 mg testosterone daily by transdermal patch or matching placebo for 12 weeks, in addition to their current medication. Time to 1-mm ST-segment depression on treadmill exercise testing and hormone levels were measured and quality of life was assessed by SF-36 at baseline and after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. Active treatment resulted in a 2-fold increase in androgen levels and an increase in time to 1-mm ST-segment depression from (mean+/-SEM) 309+/-27 seconds at baseline to 343+/-26 seconds after 4 weeks and to 361+/-22 seconds after 12 weeks. This change was statistically significant compared with that seen in the placebo group (from 266+/-25 seconds at baseline to 284+/-23 seconds after 4 weeks and to 292+/-24 seconds after 12 weeks; P:=0.02 between the 2 groups by ANCOVA). The magnitude of the response was greater in those with lower baseline levels of bioavailable testosterone (r=-0. 455, P:<0.05). There were no significant changes in prostate specific antigen, hemoglobin, lipids, or coagulation profiles during the study. There were significant improvements in pain perception (P:=0.026) and role limitation resulting from physical problems (P:=0.024) in the testosterone-treated group.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose supplemental testosterone treatment in men with chronic stable angina reduces exercise-induced myocardial ischemia.
English
K M
KM
Department of Cardiology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Steeds
R P
RP
Jones
T H
TH
Diver
M J
MJ
Channer
K S
KS
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000187:drug effects; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000187:drug effects*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D013739:Testosterone