查看文章

Aims High androgen levels are presumed by many to explain the male predisposition to coronary artery disease. However, natural androgens inhibit male atherosclerosis^[1]. Our aim was to determine whether levels of androgens differ between men with and without coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results Ninety male subjects (60 with positive, and 30 with negative coronary angiograms) were recruited. Early morning, fasting blood samples were taken from each patient and free, total and bioavailable testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, oestradiol, and lipids were measured. Bioavailable testosterone was assayed using a modified technique. Free androgen index was calculated. Men with coronary artery disease had significantly lower levels of free testosterone (mean (standard deviation)); 47·95 (13·77) vs 59·87 (26·05)pmol.l⁻¹,P =0·027), bioavailable testosterone; 2·55 (0·77 …