7 HGH Benefits for Heart Health
The process of biological aging encompasses many characteristics, affecting the heart, muscles, brain, bone, and immune functions. Hormonal deficiency, particularly somatotropin (growth hormone, GH) is implicated in many of the age-related declines adults experience. One function, in particular, is cardiovascular performance. The 7 HGH benefits for heart health explored in this article demonstrate the importance of protecting growth hormone levels throughout adulthood.
Here are 7 essential areas that benefit from HGH for the heart:
- Heart Muscle Cells
- Coronary Blood Flow
- Left Ventricular Mass
- Cardiac Output
- Artery Density
- Metabolic Function and Easing Heart Strain
- Peak Oxygen Consumption
Is HGH bad for your heart if you have too much growth hormone?
Too much or too little HGH can cause problems. Interestingly, patients with acromegaly often experience cardiac enlargement disproportionate to other internal organ sizes. Individuals with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy who received HGH therapy saw an increase in myocardial mass and a decrease in left ventricular chamber size. The result was improved myocardial energy metabolism, hemodynamics, and clinical status.
HGH Benefits for Heart Muscle Cells
Human growth hormone impacts heart health in both direct and indirect ways. When we talk about myocytes (heart muscle cells), we focus on the indirect effect that comes from HGH stimulation of insulin growth factor 1. After the GH receptors on the liver receive their signals from growth hormone’s pulsatile bursts, they let the liver know to produce more IGF-1. The indirect benefits of HGH for the heart occur from IGF-1 stimulating myocytes, resulting in increased cardiac contractility.
Included in the HGH benefits for heart health are the following that may also result from the HGH/IGF-1 axis:
- Increased amino acid uptake
- Improved cardiomyocyte size (heart cells)
- Collagen deposition rate in the heart
- Reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis (preventing loss of heart cells)
Relaxation of arterial smooth muscle cells and reduced vascular tone due to IGF-1 stimulation of nitric oxide.
HGH Heart Benefits for Coronary Blood Flow
We go back to the HGH mediator, IGF-1 for the benefits of improved coronary blood flow. In this area, the use of HGH for heart disease sees the increased level of IGF-1 stimulating nitric oxide levels. Here, the result means better coronary blood flow. Furthermore, insulin growth factor 1 is a vital cardiovascular neuromodulator due to its ability to enhance peripheral tissue performance.
HGH benefits for heart health impact the blood vessels in the following ways:
- Endothelial cell proliferation
- Angiogenesis and arteriogenesis
- Cerebral cortical arterioles
- Expression of eNOS
- Vascular inflammation
- Vascular resistance
GH deficient individuals often suffer reduced capillary density and permeability of the skin. HGH therapy improves microvascular alterations, including capillary density.
HGH and Left Ventricular Mass
Growth hormone deficiency is often associated with impaired cardiac performance due to reduced left ventricular (LV) mass. Decreased LF posterior wall thickness is also associated with the following declines:
- Cardiac index
- LV ejection fraction
- Stroke volume index
Following six months of therapy with HGH for heart benefits, results often include:
- Increased left ventricular mass
- Cardiac output
- Stroke volume
- Reduced peripheral vascular resistance
These HGH benefits for heart health should not be overlooked as they can improve exercise capacity which, in turn, strengthens the heart.
HGH Benefits for Cardiac Output
A common symptom of growth hormone deficiency in adults is impaired cardiac output. We have seen many of the ways GH decline can impact the heart. Exercise ability decreases, leading to further weight gain due to lack of caloric-burning movement. This link between HGH and heart disease explains why we see tremendous benefits in the area of cardiac output.
Among the HGH benefits for heart health are increased exercise capacity and cardiac performance. With improved systolic functions and diastolic filling, a person will notice increased endurance and stamina.
HGH Improves Artery Density
Plaque build-up in the arteries (atherosclerosis) is indicative of low nitric oxide production. IGF-1 is a direct stimulator of NO synthesis. Individuals also have an increased risk of greater intima-media thickness, reduced aortic distensibility, and carotid artery stiffness. When we discuss the use of HGH for heart patients, we often point out that intima-media thickening is one of the predictors of acute myocardial infarction for males.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a narrowing of the arteries in the lower limbs. Restricted blood flow due to PAD can lead to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and possible amputation. HGH benefits for heart health extend to this condition because the vascular endothelium contains GH receptors. HGH helps stimulate (via IGF-1) nitric oxide production to decrease oxidative stress and restore endothelial function. Treatment with HGH can also reverse structural vascular lesions including intima-media thickness.
HGH, Metabolic Function, and Easing Heart Strain
HGH is a primary stimulator of metabolism, responsible for the proper conversion of food into fuel for the body. Low levels of growth hormone tend to increase fat retention. In this way, HGH is good for heart health by supporting metabolic functions which then increase energy. Not only does a person stop storing fat, but the body begins to release and burn the fat already stored.
The more weight you carry on your body, the more of a strain you are putting on your heart. The body needs to use more fuel to propel a heavier body. Think of it in this way; it takes more effort for you to lift a 30-pound box than one weighing only 3 pounds. Your heart also must increase its effort when you are overweight.
HGH benefits for heart health include improving metabolism and aiding in weight loss efforts to ease heart strain.
HGH and Peak Oxygen Consumption
Cardiovascular disease, and, specifically, chronic heart failure (CHF) are characterized by fatigue and impaired exercise capacity. Peak oxygen uptake is historically lower in patients with CHF. As we examine the HGH effects, heart benefits often include improvements in oxygen consumption.
We touched on weight and obesity in the last section regarding the strain on the heart. Here, higher fat content impacts peak oxygen consumption, lowering exercise capacity. HGH benefits for heart health also improve skeletal muscle mass to enhances exercise capacity and functional performance.
HGH and Heart Health Benefits
The benefits of HGH for heart health do not end there. Through the vascularization process, growth hormone can also induce expression of the following factors:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF)
- Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and more
We continually learn more about the many HGH benefits for heart health. Growth hormone deficiency causes many problems for the aging adult. If you have health concerns, please contact our hormone clinic for a confidential consultation. There is no charge for this complimentary telephone discussion with one of our medical advisors.