Growth Hormone and the Cardiovascular System

Abstract

Growth hormone (GH) exerts its effects through insulin-like growth factor-1, and although ubiquitous in human tissues, it has a significant role in cardiovascular function. In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in GH as an etiologic factor in many cardiovascular disease states. Acromegaly, a state of endogenous GH excess, results in myocardial hypertrophy and decreased cardiac performance with increased cardiovascular mortality. Additional insight into the role of excess GH on the cardiovascular system has been gained from data collected in athletes doping with GH. Likewise, GH deficiency is associated with increased mortality, possibly from the associated increase in atherosclerosis, lipid abnormalities, and endothelial dysfunction. However, further research is required to clarify the benefit of GH treatment in both deficient states and in heart failure patients.

Interaction between Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Atherosclerosis and Vascular Aging

“…Of note, adult onset growth hormone deficiency with low circulating IGF-1 has been linked to increased atherosclerotic complications in most observational studies. [34]…”

Insulin-like Growth Factor System and Aging

“…The results showed that elderly people with low levels of IGF-1 had a higher risk of ischemic stroke and congestive heart failure, and poor prognosis in recovery period of acute myocardial infarction [52][53][54]. In most observational studies, GH deficiency and decreased level of IGF-1 increased the risk of cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases in adults [55]. Laughlin and colleagues monitored 1185 patients for 10 years, and concluded that circulating IGF-1 levels were predictive of ischemic heart disease [49].…”

The endocrine and cardiovascular systems: a close liaison

“…In relation of cardiac alterations, low levels of growth hormone are accompanied by a progressive deterioration similar to that observed with aging. Therefore, several studies suggest that growth hormone may act as a protective agent in agerelated cardiovascular changes [14].…”