Heart attack is the leading cause of death in the United States. The best way to prevent heart attack is to eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise and reduce stress. But, this can be hard when you’ve gained weight, lost muscle, and feel tired and depressed. You may find it hard to stick with an exercise routine when your performance isn’t what it used to be.
Testosterone Drug Risks
After the age of 30, male testosterone levels naturally begin to decline. Symptoms include weight gain, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, and osteoporosis. Low testosterone is also associated with elevated blood sugars, high blood pressure, and a rise in cholesterol levels. These effects can contribute to coronary artery disease.
Many men have chosen to take testosterone supplements to increase their physical health. Testosterone therapy reduces the effects of aging and helps men become more active. Unfortunately, testosterone drugs may also increase heart attack risk.
Testosterone Replacement in Men Linked to Cardiovascular Side Effects
The FDA is currently investigating FDA-approved testosterone products like AndroGel, Axiron, Delatestryl, Testim, and Vogelxo for potential serious cardiac side-effects. This investigation followed two recently reported studies.
The first study involved 8,709 men with a low total testosterone at Veteran Administration hospitals. Each of the men had coronary artery disease or risk factors for coronary artery disease. The men were tracked for three tears after their angiogram; during this time 1223 of the 8709 participants underwent testosterone replacement therapy. During the study period, those with testosterone had a 5.8 percent increased risk of death, stroke, or heart attack compared to men with similar health conditions who did not take testosterone drugs.
The second study followed 55,593 men who took testosterone replacement therapy and 16,279 men prescribed Viagra or Cialis. The men were followed for 90 days after their first prescription was filled.
Overall, men who took testosterone had a 36 percent increased risk of heart attack in the first 90 days of treatment. Men over 65 had a 90 percent increased risk of heart attack after starting testosterone. For men over 65 with a previous heart condition, the risk increased by 200 percent. Men under 65 with a prior heart condition were also twice as likely to experience a heart attack after starting testosterone therapy.
Are Testosterone Drugs Right for You?
If you are concerned about your heart, talk to your doctor about the risks and the benefits of testosterone therapy. This is especially important if you are over 65 or already have coronary artery disease.
If you are already using testosterone replacement drugs, don’t stop taking your mediation until you have talked to your doctor. Testosterone supplements suppress the body’s testosterone production. You can suffer serious side-effect if you suddenly stop taking the medication.
If you have suffered a heart attack or stroke while undergoing testosterone therapy, you may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer of your medication. Our testosterone lawyers are currently investigating testosterone injury claims. To learn more about AndroGel lawsuits, please call us and tell the operator that you’d like to schedule a free case evaluation.