An update on heart disease risk associated with testosterone boosting medications

Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Young Bodybuilder: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Use of AAS for replacement in middle-aged or older, symptomatic men with low serum testosterone levels is a well-established practice, provided they are carefully evaluated and monitored. The dosage for testosterone replacement is approximately 400 mg every 2 or 4 weeks (maximum 800 mg/month) and the goal is to achieve a level at the low end of the normal range and recovery from hypogonadism symptoms (241 ng/dL) [ 6 ]. Even this replacement use has been linked with increased cardiovascular risks.…”

“…Even this replacement use has been linked with increased cardiovascular risks. Corona et al [ 6 ] observed that low doses can be associated with an increased risk of MI and mortality, which underscores the significant role of dose monitoring of testosterone replacement. However, other authors have shown evidence that low testosterone levels in men with congestive heart failure are linked to poor prognosis and increased mortality [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…The effects of AAS have been studied for decades. Studies have described endocrine, dermatological, skeletal, genitourinary, psychiatric, hepatic, metabolic, and cardiovascular effects in bodybuilders and high-level athletes [ 5 , 6 , 8 , 18 – 21 ] ( Table 6 ). According to the literature, psychiatric symptoms are common in users of the hormones, and our patient reported stress, anxiety, and irritability before his AMI.…”

“…Factors that compromise healthy construction of masculinity also have been mentioned as a cause for the search for a quick way to develop muscles [ 4 ]. In young adults, concomitant use of AAS has been associated with early atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), among other health problems [ 1 , 5 , 6 ]. When a young patient is diagnosed with chronic or acute coronary disease, one of the principal suspects should be the misuse of AAS [ 7 ].…”

Testosterone serum levels in elderly fall-prone men do not correlate with age or performance in the 30 seconds chair stand test

“…Overall lack of testosterone correlates with poor physical and social function and overall health, and is associated with falls in older men 1,2 . Several studies have demonstrated the safety and benefits of testosterone treatment, also including potential risks of prostate cancer and cardiovascular events 1, [4][5][6][7] . Intramuscular testosterone seems to be more effective than transdermal administration for increasing lean body mass and improving muscle strength in middle-aged and old men, particularly in the lower extremities 8 .…”