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DHEA supports Heart Health
The human body secrets less and less dehydroepiandrosterone (DNEA) as it ages. And DHEA supports heart health. Therefore, supplementing with DHEA should help those of us with cardiomyopathy.
When I had a negative reaction to metoprolol, the heart med. that my cardiologist prescribed, I decided to research evidence-based, non-conventional therapies that could help my heart. DHEA is one of them.
I want to be clear in this point. Evidence-based non-conventional therapies such as DHEA may or may not be right for you. Or non-conventional therapies such as:
- moderate exercise,
- heart healthy nutrition,
- nutritional supplementation, etc.
may become complementary therapies meaning they complement your conventional heart therapies. I had appointments with two different cardiologists at two fine hospitals and neither cardiologist promoted any form of non-conventional therapy. None.
So hopefully, you found this page while doing your own research on how to manage you heart health.
How Does DHEA Support Heart Health?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and it serves as a precursor to both male and female sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. While the relationship between DHEA and heart health is complex and not fully understood, some studies suggest potential benefits.
- Endothelial Function: DHEA may have a positive impact on endothelial function. The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels, and its proper functioning is crucial for maintaining healthy blood flow. Some research indicates that DHEA may help improve endothelial function, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. DHEA has anti-inflammatory properties, and by reducing inflammation, it may contribute to overall heart health.
- Blood Lipid Levels: DHEA might influence lipid metabolism. Some studies suggest that DHEA can help improve lipid profiles by reducing levels of LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) and increasing HDL cholesterol (considered “good” cholesterol). Maintaining a healthy balance of these cholesterol levels is important for cardiovascular health.
- Blood Pressure Regulation: DHEA may also play a role in regulating blood pressure. By influencing vascular tone and function, DHEA could potentially contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Do you have some type of cardiovascular disease? To learn more about evidence-based, non-conventional therapies drop me a line- David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com.
Thanks,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Dehydroepiandrosterone levels vary according as heart failure condition in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
“The secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) decreases with age, and the incidence of heart failure rises in the elderly population. We measured plasma DHEAS levels in 50 male patients with congestive heart failure due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy before and after treatment.
The study included 50 age-matched control subjects with coronary spastic angina. DHEAS levels were significantly lower in patients with congestive heart failure than in controls (82.2+/-9.9 vs. 122.7+/-18.6 microg/dL, respectively, p<0.01), whereas there was no difference in cortisol levels between the 2 groups.
After 3 months of treatment, NYHA functional class improved in all patients, and DHEAS levels increased (from 82.2+/-9.9 to 106.2+/-21.1 microg/dL, p<0.01). DHEAS levels vary according as heart failure condition in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Circulating DHEA-S levels and major cardiovascular outcomes in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: A prospective cohort study
“In the present study, lower circulating dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels were associated with a higher risk of adverse major cardiovascular outcomes (cardiovascular mortality, LVAD implantation, and heart transplantation) in patients with Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCM)…”