Testosterone deficiency in men with heart failure: pathophysiology and its clinical, prognostic and therapeutic implications

Impaired anabolic/catabolic balance and testosterone deficiency are important components of the pathophysiology and the clinical presentation of HF in men. It has not been clearly established whether testosterone deficiency in this patient group only reflects severe chronic systemic disease or is an independent predictor of poor outcomes and thus constitutes an important therapeutic target. Results of the available studies on testosterone administration in relatively small groups of men with HF showed beneficial effects and safety of such therapy. Thus, a large clinical trial would be warranted to determine value of testosterone therapy in this patient group. Copyright © Polskie Towarzystwo Kardiologiczne.