The Particulars: Sex hormones have been linked to significant effects on cardiovascular physiology in previous research. Few studies, however, have analyzed potential role of these hormones in sudden cardiac death (SCD) for the general population.
Data Breakdown: An analysis of a large prospective community found that average testosterone levels were significantly lower in men with SCD but slightly higher among women with SCD, when compared with those without SCD. Average estradiol levels were significantly higher among both women and men with SCD. High testosterone/estrogen (T/E) ratios were associated with a lower risk of SCD in men but not women.
Take Home Pearls: High estradiol levels appear to be strongly associated with SCD in both men and women. High testosterone levels and higher T/E ratios appear to lower SCD risk in men but not women.
