Testosterone ‘reduces heart risk in older men’

Restoring testosterone can reduce rather than increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in vulnerable older men, research has shown.

Scientists studied 755 heart patients aged between 58 and 78, some of whom were given supplements of the male hormone that was injected or administered in a gel.

Those who received the testosterone therapy were 80% less likely to suffer a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke than those who did not.

This was despite previous research suggesting that testosterone supplements can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Dr Brent Muhlestein, from the Intermountain Medical Centre Heart Institute in Salt Lake City, US, said: “The study shows using replacement therapy to increase testosterone to normal levels in androgen-deficient men doesn’t increase their risk of a serious heart attack or stroke.

“That was the case even in the highest-risk men – those with known pre-existing heart disease.”