Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated forma (DHEA-S) are the endogenous steroids with the highest concentrations, fulfilling the role of androgen precursors. This review discusses the current understanding of the physiological role of DHEA-S in different stages of life, as well as the biological effects of its metabolites. Accent is put on the role of DHEA-S in the context of cardiovascular disease as a factor influencing the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease and the cardiovascular risk factors. The studies reviewed outline DHEA-S as one of the possible factors influencing atherogenesis, turning it into a likely subject of future research.
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