Hypertension and sex hormone levels in young and middle-aged men

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular condition and exhibits significant sexual dimorphism. The prevalence of hypertension in the general population could be associated with the state of sex hormone system to a large degree. Currently the data obtained on the relationship between sex hormones and blood pressure levels are insufficient. Research aim To study the relationship between hypertension and sex hormone levels in young and middle-aged men in a retrospective cohort study setting. Materials and methods A retrospective observational clinical trial was conducted. 698 medical records of male patients aged 18 to 59 years were analyzed. 508 patients with an average age of 41.1±9.4 years, obesity prevalence of 48.2%, and hypertension prevalence of 52% were selected. Blood pressure levels, anthropometric data, levels of sex hormones, lipid panel and insulin resistance indicators were analyzed. Results: In our study group, obesity and its abdominal form were more common among patients with hypertension. A decrease in the testosterone level (12.1 nmol/l) was significantly more common among patients with hypertension (64.91% versus 41.98%, p=0.001). Differences in the prevalence of hyperestrogenism (estradiol level above 41.2 pg/ml) did not reach statistically significant values ​​(29.43% versus 22.22%, p=0.064). When dividing the study sample by E2 tertiles, the groups significantly differed from each other in the prevalence of hypertension (p=0.028). According to the results of multivariate logistic analysis, sex hormones made a significant contribution to the model of the presence of hypertension. High levels of estradiol were associated with a higher probability of hypertension, while lower levels reduced the probability of hypertension. The relationship between T and hypertension was inverse: the higher the level of this hormone, the lower the probability of hypertension in young and middle-aged men. Conclusions: Our study shows the presence of an independent relationship between the level of testosterone and estradiol and the presence of hypertension in young and middle-aged men.