Does Treating Low Testosterone Increase the Risk of Heart Attacks?

Possibly.  The FDA has not yet reached a conclusion, but it is reviewing a couple of recent studies that have said, yes, it does, at least for men greater than 65 y.o. and in younger men with a history of heart problems.  The studies tested synthetic testosterone in patients who had low blood levels of testosterone.  Currently, such treatment is approved only when the low testosterone levels are associated with a medical condition.  There is no doubt that many men feel better if their testosterone levels are improved.  It is probable, in my opinion, that the risk might be lower if the bio-identical hormones were prescribed, but that has not been tested.  As usual, the benefits should outweigh the risks if testosterone is used.

 

See Family Practice News, Feb. 15, 2014, p. 12-13.

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