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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2011; 119(08): 490-496
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1284370
Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

High Estradiol Levels are Associated with Increased Mortality in Older Men Referred to Coronary Angiography

E. Lerchbaum
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
,
S. Pilz
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
,
T. B. Grammer
2   Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Mannheim Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
,
B. O. Boehm
3   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
,
W. März
2   Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Mannheim Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
4   Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
5   Synlab Center of Laboratory Diagnostics, Heidelberg, Germany
,
B. Obermayer-Pietsch
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 16 December 2010
firstdecision 03 June 2011

accepted 12 July 2011

Publication Date:
02 August 2011 (online)

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Abstract

Objective:

There is evidence showing an important role of estrogens in men’s health. We aimed to evaluate whether estradiol levels are associated with overall mortality and specific fatal events.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

We measured estradiol levels in 2 078 men who were routinely referred for coronary angiography (1997–2000).

Measurements:

The main outcome measures were Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality from all causes, from cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes including cancer according to estradiol levels.

Results:

Multivariable HRs (with 95% confidence intervals) for all-cause, non-cardiovascular, and cancer mortality were 1.43 (1.08–1.91), 2.11 (1.34–3.34), and 2.27 (1.00–5.19), respectively, in the fourth estradiol quartile as compared to the first. There was no significant association of estradiol levels with cardiovascular mortality. In multivariate adjusted analyses, higher estradiol levels in men were significantly associated with prevalent strokes, peripheral vascular disease, and carotid artery stenosis compared to lower estradiol levels.

Conclusion:

High levels of estradiol are associated with all-cause and non-cardiovascular mortality in a large cohort of older men referred to coronary angiography. Further studies are warranted to confirm our results and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Key words

estradiol - mortality
 

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