The impact of low circulating testosterone levels on cardiovascular structure and function with aging

Heart diseases such as congestive heart failure become more common as we age. These diseases happen at the same time as when levels of sex hormones fall in males and females. Specifically, low testosterone levels are associated with increased heart disease risk in males. Females also have a decrease in testosterone with age, particularly after menopause, although its effect on the heart is much less studied. Although these associations exist, how exactly low testosterone affects the heart is unknown. Our initial work shows that low testosterone levels in mice reduce their heart's ability to work. Heart cells had problems contracting and managing internal calcium. These problems are known contributors to conditions like heart failure. There is still much more to learn about testosterone's effect on the heart. Importantly, we will look at long-term exposure to low testosterone in both males and females. This will mimic what happens when we age. We will also see if testosterone treatment in old mice can reverse any adverse effects. This research will help us understand the links between testosterone, aging, and heart disease. It will help us recognize whether testosterone supplementation is useful in vulnerable older people with heart diseases.