Emilio Sueños, a well-known television presenter and model from Ecuador, passed away after confusing the warning signs of a heart attack with a common cold. The 41-year-old initially thought he had the flu, but his condition worsened rapidly, leaving him struggling to breathe.
“From one moment to the next, he started coughing and could not breathe. He sent me audio messages saying it wasn’t the flu, but that he simply couldn’t breathe,” Ivanna Melgar, a close friend of Sueños, told Jam Press.
Medical cause revealed
Doctors later discovered that Emilio suffered heart failure caused by excessive testosterone use. His heart had enlarged due to hormone injections he had been taking after a cosmetic procedure went wrong.
Initially admitted to a private hospital, he was placed in intensive care, where tests revealed an inflamed heart and damage to one of his lungs.
“The problem worsened because he injected the hormone into his arm instead of his buttocks, due to the presence of biopolymers there. His heart couldn’t hold up,” Melgar explained.
Understanding testosterone risks in men
Testosterone is a key male hormone that regulates bone health, red blood cell production, fertility and male characteristics like facial hair and muscle mass.
Many men undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as their natural levels decline with age. While HRT has benefits, it also comes with risks, especially when used improperly or in high doses.
Potential side effects of testosterone therapy
While testosterone therapy can help restore hormonal balance, it also carries several potential risks. Men undergoing treatment may experience acne or other skin issues, mood swings, and fluid retention.
The therapy can worsen sleep apnea and increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes. It may also suppress sperm production, affecting fertility and raise red blood cell levels, which can lead to high blood pressure or blood clots.
In some cases, men may even experience breast tissue growth, a condition known as gynecomastia. Because of these risks, testosterone therapy should always be carefully monitored by a medical professional.