"A Veterans Affairs database study of more than  patients found that men whose low testosterone was restored to normal through gels patches or injections had a lower risk of heart attack stroke or death from any cause versus similar men who were not treated.  The study also found that men who were treated but did not attain normal levels did not see the same benefits as those whose levels did reach normal. The study was published online Aug.   in the European Heart Journal.  The findings may sway the ongoing debate over testosterone therapys benefits and risks especially for the heart. Studies over the past few years have yielded mixed results although part of that might stem from differing patient populations and research methods.  For example the new VA study excluded men with a history of heart attacks or strokes although it did include those with existing heart disease. A muchcited VA database study that was published in JAMA in  looked specifically at men with coronary artery disease about  percent of the total study group of around  men had suffered a prior heart attack.  So far the medical community lacks results from any definitive clinical trial that might provide clear guidance. Meanwhile the Food and Drug Administration issued guidance earlier in  advising clinicians about the overuse of testosterone therapy and pointing to a possible increased risk of heart attack and stroke.  The new VA study is likely to draw attention because of its large size and relatively long followup period.  Dr. Rajat Barua the papers corresponding author says the study is also noteworthy because of its finding that administering the right dose is critical Treating low T but not restoring levels to normal doesnt appear to impart much benefit at least in terms of cardiovascular risk. Testosterone isnt prescribed with the goal of improving heart health but that is a consideration in many cases.  It is the first study to demonstrate that significant benefit is observed only if the dose is adequate to normalize the total testosterone levels Barua and his coauthors wrote. Patients who failed to achieve the therapeutic range after testosterone replacement therapy did not see a reduction in heart attack or stroke and had significantly less benefit on mortality. Barua is with the Kansas City Mo. VA Medical Center. Hes also an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Kansas.  The study team looked at national data on more than  men with documented low testosterone all age  or above who received care in VA between  and .  The researchers divided the men into three clinical groups those who were treated to the point where their total testosterone levels returned to normal Group  those who were treated but without reaching normal Group  and those who were untreated and remained at low levels Group .  Importantly all three groups were propensity matched so the comparisons would be between men with similar health profiles. The researchers took into account a wide array of factors that might affect cardiovascular and overall risk. They included for example age body mass index various chronic diseases LDL cholesterol levels and the use of aspirin beta blockers and statins.  The average followup across the groups ranged from . to . years.  The sharpest contrast emerged between Group  those who were treated and attained normal levels and Group  those whose low testosterone went untreated. The treated men were  percent less likely to die during the followup period  percent less likely to suffer a heart attack and  percent less likely to have a stroke.  The differences between Group  and Group  those who were treated but did not attain normal levels were similar but less pronounced.  Little difference emerged between Groups  and  except for a slight benefit in survival for those who were treated.  Barua and colleagues say they dont know the exact reasons for testosterones apparent benefits for the heart and overall survival. The mechanisms for these effects remain speculative they write. Possible explanations they say could involve body fat insulin sensitivity lipids blood platelets inflammation or other biological pathways. More research is needed they say to clarify how testosterone affects the cardiovascular system.  While the new study results do seem to advocate for testosterone replacement therapy Barua stresses the need for appropriate screening selection dosing and followup of patients to maximize the benefit of testosterone therapy.  The authors also caution that offlabel use remains a concern. In other words doctors should not write a prescription simply because an older man is complaining of symptoms such as low energy and low sex drive. According to the FDA Testosterone products are FDAapproved only for use in men who lack or have low testosterone levels in conjunction with an associated medical condition. Examples of these conditions include failure of the testicles to produce testosterone because of reasons such as genetic problems or chemotherapy. ... None of the FDAapproved testosterone products are approved for use in men with low testosterone levels who lack an associated medical condition."