25 Nov Testosterone Therapy and Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Michael Ho, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology
Cardiology 111B 1055 Clermont Street
Denver CO 80220
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study?
Dr. Ho: We found that testosterone use was associated with a 29% increased risk of death, MI and stroke over a follow-up period of 27 months. The risk was similar among patients with or without coronary artery disease on coronary angiography.
MedicalResearch.com: Were any of the findings unexpected?
Dr. Ho: We hypothesized that there would be an association between testosterone therapy use and adverse outcomes among patients with coronary artery disease but did not expect that the association would be similar among patients without coronary artery disease following the coronary angiography.
MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Ho: The study findings provide additional information about the potential risks associated with testosterone therapy and hopefully will inform a better discussion of the benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy between patients and their physicians.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Ho: Additional studies including retrospective studies in other patient populations as well as a prospective randomized controlled trial may be needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of testosterone therapy as well as in specific patient populations.
Citation:
Last Updated on November 25, 2013 by Marie Benz MD FAAD