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Hormonal replacement and physical exercise in heart failure treatment: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Despite the full use of pharmacological and non pharmacological therapy, morbidity and mortality incidence as a result from heart failure (HF) are still significantly persistent. In the therapeutic context is relevant the inhibition of the inadequate neuro-hormonal adaptations and metabolic, as well known the anabolic deficiency that develops in HF. But just recently some studies emerged about the benefits from the testosterone replacement or supplementation therapy (TRT). OBJECTIVE: Reviewing studies that address the TRT in heart failure (HF), particularly those developed in the ideal setting for clinical treatment, including physical exercise program. METHODS: It was analyzed the Scielo and Pubmed databases, Cochrane of Systematic Review and Clinical Control Trials from Cochrane Collaboration databases. RESULTS: The few studies about TRT in patients with HF showed improvement in of the hemodynamic function, insulin resistance, functional capacity and neuro-hormonal and neuromuscular responses, highlight the controversy regarding the influence on the inflammatory profile, and found no changes in function and structure in the central cardiovascular system. However, it has not been found studies about TRT associated with exercises program. CONCLUSION: the present state of knowledge, although based on a few studies, allows to considerate TRT in the treatment of patients with HF. It is not well-defined the ideal form of TRT, regarding to treatment duration, criteria for inclusion and exclusion, etc. There is a wide gap in the literature, calling attention to the lack of studies about TRT concomitant with full medical treatment, which includes an physical exercise program.

stress; high performance; athletes


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