Testosterone is usually linked with manliness, strength, and virility. It remains responsible for playing a considerably larger role in promoting the general health of men, particularly as they get older. According to Evan Bass Men’s Clinic, for men aged over 50, other than affecting energy and mood, low testosterone levels could have a major impact on their heart health. This article explains how low testosterone has a connection with men’s heart health, risk factors, and possible solutions to deal with the issues effectively.
Connection between Testosterone and Heart Health
Testosterone is vital to administer several bodily processes, such as managing metabolism, maintaining muscle mass, and aiding bone density. Testosterone also has a significant function in taking care of heart health. By improving blood vessel function, it inhibits inflammation and assists with healthy cholesterol levels. Since testosterone decreases with age, especially among men aged over 50, cardiovascular issues are at increased risk. Low levels of testosterone have been associated with conditions like high blood pressure, stiffness of arteries, and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
How Low Testosterone Affects Heart Health
Low testosterone affects the cardiovascular system in several ways:
Enhanced Risk of Heart Disease
By elevating good HDL cholesterol and dropping bad LDL cholesterol, testosterone maintains a healthy cholesterol balance. With a drop in testosterone, the balance is disrupted, leading to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, which eventually narrows blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
High Blood Pressure
By relaxing blood vessels, testosterone aids in improved blood flow. With inadequate testosterone, blood vessels become smaller and tighter, resulting in increased blood pressure, and turning into the major cause of heart attack and stroke.
Inflammation
Low testosterone is linked with higher systemic inflammation, which is a major contributor to the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Systemic inflammation can cause plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart-related issues.
Fat Accumulation
Testosterone affects fat metabolism, and decreased levels may cause an increase in visceral fat (fat that surrounds organs). This fat is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Treatment of Low Testosterone and Cardiovascular Health
Men aged over 50 with low testosterone and cardiovascular risks have a few avenues available to treat these health conditions:
1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Testosterone replacement therapy is perhaps the most widely used treatment for low testosterone and can be delivered via injections, patches, gels, or pellets. TRT can benefit heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, improving blood vessel function, and decreasing blood pressure. It is, however, important to seek the advice of a healthcare provider in facilities like Evan Bass Men’s Clinic before beginning TRT, as it may not be the best option for everyone.
2. Lifestyle Modifications: Along with the medical interventions, a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential. A balanced diet, weight control, and regular exercise can all help maintain cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular exercise, including walking, cycling, or swimming, can improve circulation, lower inflammation, and optimize overall heart function.
3. Management of Other Risk Factors: For individuals with low testosterone, maintaining other cardiovascular risk factors, like cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar, is very important. Optimal management of these factors using medications, diet, and exercise can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Precisely, low testosterone among men aged more than 50 is a concern for heart disease. Make sure to consult with a healthcare provider to develop a multi-faceted treatment plan combining both testosterone deficiency and heart concerns to enhance the quality of life along with minimizing the risks of heart disease.
