Testosterone: a natural tonic for the failing heart?

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Abstract
Chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the UK, accounting for 5% of acute hospital admissions and 1% of the total NHS budget.1 Coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension are the most commonly associated conditions. The condition is characterized by left ventricular dysfunction, impaired vascular tone and skeletal muscle abnormalities, producing breathlessness and fatigue. Neuro‐hormonal and cytokine activation are self‐perpetuating maladaptive responses to the failing heart, which cause further deterioration in cardiac function and increased catabolism.