Testosterone deficiency in male: a risk factor for heart failure.
Testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) induces several negative effects that generally involve different organs such as testis, bone, skeletal muscle, and heart, leading to reduction in testis function, causing osteoporosis, strongly reducing muscle mass, decreasing exercise capacity and strength and facilitating heart failure. Approximately 25% of patients affected by chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by plasma Testosterone (T) levels below normal ranges also related to disease progression. In addition, reduction of circulating testosterone levels may contribute to some specific features of CHF, such as abnormal energy handling, weakness, dyspnoea and cachexia in particular. According to some recent evidence it has emerged that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may improve muscle strength and functional pulmonary capacity in CHF men with TDS. This review will place emphasis on the pathophysiological role of testosterone deficiency in CHF men as well as the effects of the testosterone replacement therapy.
O.U. Metabolic Disease and Endocrinology, P.O. Conversano, Via De Amicis, 3070014 Conversano-Ba, Italy. vitogiagulli@alice.it
Vito Angelo
VA
Giagulli
Edoardo
E
Guastamacchia
Giovanni
G
De Pergola
Massimo
M
Iacoviello
Vincenzo
V
Triggiani
D002908:Chronic Disease; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D013739:Testosterone / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013739:Testosterone