Testosterone and coronary artery disease in men

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cardiovascular cause of death, and in men, endogenous testosterone concentrations are inversely related to the extent and severity of CAD. Testosterone is known to affect a number of risk factors for CAD and has effects on vascular tone, vasoreactivity and blood flow of blood vessels beyond the reproductive system, indicating that testosterone may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAD. In this review we will present and discuss the actions of endogenous testosterone and testosterone treatment on risk factors for CAD, on the blood vessel wall and blood flow, and on atheroma development and progression, and discuss the potential for testosterone use in men with CAD.