Cardiovascular Outcomes of Low Testosterone
Research Study for Men 50-70 years of Age
In some men as they get older, testosterone levels fall below the normal range as that seen in young men. Also, as men get older cardiovascular health can deteriorate which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. In this research study, “Cardiovascular consequences of hypogonadism in men”, we want to find out what causes cardiovascular health to deteriorate in older men and whether older men who have low testosterone have worse cardiovascular health than men with normal testosterone.
Additionally, we want to find out what happens to cardiovascular health when testosterone levels are lowered for a short time in men who have normal testosterone levels. Specifically, we want to see if the decline in cardiovascular health in older men with low testosterone levels is because of damage to mitochondria, which are the main energy source of the cells in our body.
The results from this research study will help to understand why cardiovascular health declines in older men with low testosterone levels compared to younger men and older men who have higher testosterone levels so that we can develop appropriate strategies and treatments to maintain cardiovascular health in men as they age. Knowing this information will help to develop therapies to prevent heart disease in men.
Men 50 – 75 years old in good general health with no history of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and not currently taking medications to treat high blood pressure, cholesterol or taking testosterone therapy may be eligible to participate. The main procedures of this research study are a physician supervised exercise stress test, ultrasound of the blood vessels and heart, blood cholesterol profile, dietary analyses, measurements of bone density and body composition. The participation time commitment is 2-3 months and all study procedures will take place at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. If interested in learning more about participating, please contact Sue at 303-724-2253 or email cardiovolt.study@ucdenver.edu.
This research study has been approved by the Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Principal Investigator: Kerrie Moreau, PhD.
