Testosterone may be one of the reasons why men are more prone to heart attacks than women, according to new research. Edinburgh University scientists examined the effects of testosterone on blood vessel tissue and found it triggered the production of hard deposits or calcification. The deposits “powerfully” predict the chance of death or major problems due to heart disease, they said. During the study mice had testosterone receptors removed. The mice then produced fewer hard deposits as they could no longer respond to the hormone. Heart valves Calcification causes blood vessels to harden and thicken, making the heart work harder to pump blood around the body. It can also affect the valves of the heart, preventing them opening and shutting properly. The authors said their findings suggested testosterone played a role in calcification and the discovery may lead to new treatments to prevent heart disease. Researchers also examined blood vessel and valve tissue fr...
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