Dihydrotestosterone: A Culprit in Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

The document discussed the role of testosterone and its metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in cardiac hypertrophy, particularly left ventricular hypertrophy, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It highlighted that testosterone can induce cardiac hypertrophy, with the male heart being more hypertrophied than the premenopausal female heart. Testosterone supplementation at high levels was associated with increased cardiovascular risks, while deficiency also posed risks, suggesting a need for balance. The study suggested that DHT, unlike testosterone, played a crucial role in exacerbating pathological left ventricular hypertrophy. It proposed that inhibiting DHT production through 5α-reductase inhibitors could protect against pathological heart remodeling.