Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia and Proscar, showed a surprising link to lower heart disease risk in research published in March 2024.

The study looked at thousands of men who took finasteride for hair loss or prostate issues and compared their heart outcomes to similar men who did not take the drug. Researchers found lower rates of heart attacks and major cardiovascular events among finasteride users after adjusting for age, smoking, diabetes and other heart disease risks. The main clue was cholesterol: finasteride users had modest but consistent improvements in LDL and total cholesterol compared with non-users. That change in cholesterol likely explains most of the reduced heart risk, according to the paper's analysis.

How did the researchers reach this conclusion?

They used real-world health records over several years and applied statistical methods to account for other factors that affect heart risk. This kind of observational study can't prove cause and effect the same way a randomized trial can, but it can reveal strong associations worth testing further.

What does this mean if you use finasteride or are considering it?

First, don't stop or start any medication based only on headlines. If you're on finasteride for hair loss or an enlarged prostate, this study offers encouraging news about possible added cardiovascular benefit. If you have high cholesterol or other heart risks, talk to your doctor about how finasteride fits into your overall plan. Your doctor may want to monitor cholesterol, liver enzymes, and general heart health after starting any medication.

Men with a history of depression, sexual side effects, or liver disease should discuss risks and benefits with their clinician before using finasteride. Women and children should not use finasteride except in specific, doctor-directed situations.

Medication rarely works in isolation. Improving diet, exercising, quitting smoking and treating high blood pressure or diabetes remain the most reliable ways to lower heart risk. If finasteride adds a small cholesterol benefit on top of those measures, it could be another useful tool for men who already need the drug for other reasons.

If you currently take finasteride, schedule a check-in with your clinician to review your cholesterol and overall heart risk. If you're thinking about starting finasteride, ask about both the benefits for hair or prostate symptoms and potential cardiovascular effects. Keep a record of any side effects and follow up promptly if you notice mood changes or sexual dysfunction.

New research often raises more questions than answers. Expect further studies, including randomized trials, to test whether finasteride directly improves cholesterol and reduces heart events. For now, this March 2024 finding is interesting, potentially useful, and worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Read the full post on SafeMeds4All for study details and links to the research. Bookmark the March 2024 archive to follow updates. Share the article with your doctor if you want a focused conversation about risks and benefits. Stay informed and ask questions at each visit.