Detection of Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Hypertensive Men with Low Serum Levels of Testosterone using 2-D Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated whether hypertension and low testosterone exert synergistic detrimental effects on cardiac dysfunction, as assessed by 2-D speckle tracking echocardiography. Material and Methods: Fifty-five adult men underwent clinical evaluation, blood sampling, and blood pressure measurement, and were classified into four groups: control, low testosterone (Low T), hypertension (HTN), and combined hypertension with low testosterone (HTN + Low T). Cardiac structure and function were assessed using 2-D echocardiography.Results: Concentric remodeling and reduced LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) were observed in the Low T, HTN, and HTN + Low T groups with subclinical LV dysfunction most frequent in HTN + Low T. Low testosterone was associated with a markedly increased risk of subclinical LV dysfunction (OR=15.84, 95% CI: 1.31–192) in both normotensive and hypertensive men.Conclusion: Hypertension and low testosterone showed interactive effects on cardiac dysfunction. Low testosterone may contribute to subclinical LV dysfunction.