Testosterone and Arterial Thrombosis - Abstract
Epidemiologic studies suggest that cardiovascular disease affects men at an earlier age and may contribute to greater mortality. Cross sectional and prospective studies have considered the role of endogenous testosterone levels in cardiovascular disease and mortality but few prospective or randomized trials have looked at supplemental testosterone therapy and long term cardiovascular outcomes. Recent retrospective studies suggest that testosterone therapy increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and associated mortality, however it is still unclear by what mechanism. In this review we begin with a case report and attempt to summarize the mechanisms by which testosterone may promote arterial thrombosis and hemostasis. Overall testosterone plays a complex role in the thrombotic pathway, and may have different effects when given acutely or long term, especially in those with other modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.