Numerous men across the country take testosterone supplements. But are they safe? New reports show that they might be contributing to causing heart attacks.
CBS news reports on testosterone supplements possibly causing or contributing to heart attacks.
Experts conducted a new study showing a direct link between testosterone supplements and heart attacks.
Men who take testosterone supplements have a much higher risk of getting a heart attack. The statistics from the study are astounding; “An analysis authored by epidemiologist Mr. Finkle and researchers at UCLA of insurance claims for more than 55,000 men looked at the rate of heart attacks within 90 days of starting testosterone. In men 65 and older, the risk more than doubled. In men younger than 65, with a history of heart disease, the risk almost tripled.”
The FDA has only approved testosterone for men with low levels and a low libido but even men with normal levels are now taking it. “Annual prescriptions for testosterone more than doubled in just four years to 430 million thanks in part to advertisements. Prescription sales of testosterone have surpassed those of Viagra. A study earlier this month found 43 percent of men receiving the hormone had a normal level,” according to CBS.
Many men take testosterone thinking it will make them feel twenty years younger. One physician told CBS, “Once it appears on television, with seductive ads that make men think it's a fountain of youth, you're going to see a lot of off-label usage.”
There are many ways that testosterone can cause heart problems. CBS speculates on what causes this link, “One possible way testosterone might be causing problems is by increasing clotting within arteries supplying the heart. The FDA said that right now heart attack is not on the warning label and that the agency is reviewing today's study.”
