Sex hormones may affect atherosclerosis

Naturally produced sex hormones may influence the risk and progression of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, Johns Hopkins researchers report in a recent study.

The findings may help explain the increased risk men have of developing heart disease, which runs about twofold higher than women’s heart disease risk worldwide.

The study suggests that older women who produce a relatively high amount of estrogen are more likely to develop coronary artery calcium (CAC), a component of the fatty plaque that builds up in blood vessels and hardens arteries. Older men with relatively high amounts of testosterone are also more likely to develop CAC. However, once CAC is present, higher testosterone appears to help prevent CAC from progressing too quickly in men’s arteries. These findings will be presented Nov. 11 at the American Heart Association’s annual Scientific Sessions in New Orleans.