Clinical Significance of Low Blood Testosterone Concentration in Men as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor From the Perspective of Blood Rheology

Abstract

Background Recent clinical studies have indicated the importance of low blood testosterone concentration or whole blood passage time (WBPT) which reflects blood rheology as a cardiovascular risk factor. On the contrary, there are no reports regarding the association of blood testosterone concentrations and WBPT. This cross-sectional study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance of low blood testosterone concentration in men as a cardiovascular risk factor from the perspective of blood rheology using WBPT. Methods In total, 382 male patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factor and no history of cardiovascular disease (age (mean ± standard deviation (SD)), 64 ± 10 years) were enrolled. Serum total testosterone concentration (T-T) was measured as a marker of testosterone level in vivo , and WBPT was also measured using microchannel array flow analyzer as a commercial device. The relationship between T-T and WBPT was evaluated. Results There was a significantly negative correlation between T-T and WBPT (r = -0.45; P < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that T-T (β = -0.25; P < 0.001) could be selected as an independent variable when WBPT was used as a subordinate factor. According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the result of the previous report that determined WBPT of > 72.4 s as a risk for incidence of primary cardiovascular disease, T-T of < 551.4 ng/dL is the optimal cut-off point for discriminating high WBPT. Conclusions The study results showed that T-T is independently and inversely associated with WBPT in male patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factor and no history of cardiovascular disease. In addition, this study suggests that the incidence of primary cardiovascular events can be prevented by maintaining T-T at approximately ≥ 550 ng/dL from the perspective of blood rheology.

Lipid accumulation product and late-onset hypogonadism in middle-aged and elderly men: results from a cross-sectional study in China

“…Moreover, the clinical consequences of testosterone deficiency are associated with hypertension and many other cardiovascular risk factors. Previous prospective studies have shown that a decrease in serum testosterone was associated with mortality from cardiovascular disease and from all causes in older men 3–5. Therefore, it is crucial and urgent for the early screening of LOH in the ageing population.…”