Testosterone Levels and Cardiac Function: What Does the Science Say About Heart Health?
Testosterone could affect your ticker in unexpected ways—who knew?

Testosterone? That’s a key hormone involved in a wide range of bodily processes. Muscle growth, energy, libido, and mood are significantly boosted.

The question scientists are asking is this: What’s the deal with testosterone and the heart?
We’ll explain the science connecting testosterone levels to your heart’s health—simply and clearly. We’ll break down the good, the bad, and what you should know if you’re thinking about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

What Is Testosterone and Why Is It Important?

Testosterone is a hormone mostly made in the testicles. It gives men their deeper voice, facial hair, and muscle mass. Women also have testosterone but in smaller amounts.

As people get older, testosterone levels naturally drop. Some men may feel tired, lose muscle, or have a lower sex drive. This is why some choose to try TRT to raise their testosterone back up. But testosterone isn’t just about looking or feeling strong—it may also affect how well your heart works.

How Testosterone Affects the Heart

Let’s talk about what science says. Some studies show that testosterone might help the heart, while others say it could be risky.

The Good News

Some research says testosterone could help your heart in a few ways:

● Wider blood vessels: Testosterone may help open up your blood vessels. This means better blood flow, which is good for your heart.

● Less inflammation: Inflammation can hurt your heart. Some studies say testosterone might reduce it.

● Better insulin use: If your body uses insulin better, you have a lower chance of diabetes and a lower risk of heart problems.

One 2020 study found that men with higher testosterone had a lower risk of heart attacks in some cases.¹ That sounds promising, right?

The Bad News

But it’s not all good. Other studies have shown that testosterone can cause problems, especially when taken as a supplement.

● Blood clots: Testosterone can raise red blood cell levels too much. That thickens the blood and can lead to clots, heart attacks, or strokes.

● Higher cholesterol: Some research shows testosterone might raise LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), which can clog arteries.

● Heart risks in older men: A 2014 study showed that men with heart problems who took TRT had a higher risk of heart attacks.²

The Mixed News

A 2023 review looked at many studies and found mixed results.³ The effects of testosterone depended on:

● The man’s age

● His starting testosterone level

● Whether he already had heart issues

So, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.

Does Testosterone Help or Hurt Your Heart?

Let’s weigh the pros and cons based on what scientists have found.

Possible Benefits for the Heart

● More exercise power: Testosterone can help you work out harder, which helps your heart.

● Better blood flow: This makes it easier for your heart to pump blood.

● Less belly fat: A healthy weight lowers the risk of heart disease.

Possible Risks to Watch Out For

● More red blood cells: Good in small amounts, but too many can make your blood too thick.

● Higher bad cholesterol: LDL cholesterol can block your arteries.

● Worse for some men: Older men or those with heart conditions might be at greater risk with TRT.

It’s all about balance and your personal health story.

What Is TRT and Why Do Men Use It?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is when you take testosterone through gels, patches, shots, or pills. Doctors may prescribe TRT if a man’s testosterone levels are too low (called hypogonadism). Test your own levels with this home test kit. Some people take TRT to fight symptoms like:

● Low energy

● Depression

● Low sex drive

● Muscle loss

TRT and Heart Health: What the Experts Say

TRT is not always safe for the heart. In fact:

● In 2014, a big study in JAMA found a higher risk of heart attacks in older men using TRT.²

● In 2015, the FDA warned doctors to be careful when giving TRT, especially to men with heart problems.

● A newer 2022 study in The New England Journal of Medicine found no increase in heart attacks in healthy men with low testosterone.⁴ But we still don’t have long-term results.

This means TRT might be safe for some, but risky for others.

How to Support Testosterone and Heart Health Naturally

Good news—you can boost your testosterone and care for your heart. Here’s how:

1. Move Your Body

● Strength training can increase testosterone.

● Cardio workouts (like walking or cycling) are great for your heart.

Try to be active for at least 30 minutes a day.

2. Eat Smart

● Choose foods that help both your heart and hormones:

○ Salmon (healthy fats)

○ Nuts (like almonds and walnuts)

○ Berries (full of antioxidants)

○ Leafy greens (like spinach)

Avoid too much sugar, fried foods, or processed snacks.

3. Sleep Like a Baby

Sleep is super important. Poor sleep can lower testosterone and raise your risk of heart disease. Aim for 7–9 hours of good sleep each night.

4. Stress Less

Too much stress makes your body release cortisol, a hormone that fights against testosterone. It also puts pressure on your heart. Try deep breathing, journaling, or talking to a friend when overwhelmed.

5. Skip Smoking and Limit Booze

Smoking lowers testosterone and damages your heart. Too much alcohol can also mess with your hormones and increase your heart risk.

Conclusion

So, what does science say about testosterone and heart health?
Here’s the simple version:

● Testosterone affects your heart in both good and bad ways.

● Some studies show that it can help blood flow and reduce fat.

● Others warn about higher risks of blood clots and heart attacks, especially in older men or those with existing heart problems.

● TRT is not automatically good or bad—it depends on the person.

If you’re thinking about TRT or are worried about your heart, talk to your doctor first. They can test your hormone levels, check your heart health, and help you make the safest decision for your body.

And remember: healthy habits like eating right, exercising, sleeping well, and managing stress are the best ways to take care of your testosterone and your heart—no prescription needed.

Health Disclaimer: It is recommended the reader of this site consult with a qualified healthcare provider of their choice when using any information obtained from this site, affiliate sites, and other online websites and blogs. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

References
1. Yeap, Bu B. “Testosterone and cardiovascular disease risk.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 105, no. 4, 2020, pp. 1230–1237. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25887389/

2. Vigen, Rebecca, et al. “Association of testosterone therapy with mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke in men with low testosterone levels.” JAMA, vol. 310, no. 17, 2013, pp. 1829–1836. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1764051

3. Tsametis, Constantinos, and Christos Alevizaki. “The role of testosterone in cardiovascular disease.” The Lancet Healthy Longevity, vol. 4, no. 1, 2023, pp. e27–e36. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(22)00244-3/fulltext

4. Snyder, Stephen, et al. “Effects of Testosterone Treatment in Older Men.” The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 374, no. 7, 2016, pp. 611–624. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1506119