Abstract
Background: The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is not uncommon among strength athletes. Several cross-sectional studies have linked AAS use to heart disease, but a causal role for AAS is not certain and it is unknown whether cardiac changes are reversible.Methods: Men of at least 18 years old intending to start an AAS cycle on short notice were included for comprehensive 3D echocardiographic examination before (T0), at the end of the cycle (T1), and 1 year after inclusion (T2) after a recovery period. Details of the AAS cycle performed and the use of other performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) as well as illicit drug use were recorded. Trend analysis and multivariable regression analysis were performed with mixed effects linear models.Results: Thirty-one subjects were included. Between start (T0) and end of the cycle (T1), after a median AAS cycle duration of 16 weeks, 3D left ventricular ejection fraction declined with 4.9% (CI −7.2 to −2.5, P < 0.001), E/A-ratio declined with−0.45 (CI −0.69 to −0.21, P < 0.001), and 3D left atrial volume increased with 9.2 ml (CI 2.9–15.4, P = 0.004). Left ventricular mass increased with 28.3 g (CI 14.2–42.4, P < 0.001) and was positively correlated with AAS average weekly dose. After a median recovery time of 8 months (T2), all parameters returned to baseline.Conclusion: AAS induce left ventricular hypertrophy and impaired systolic and diastolic function in amateur strength athletes. The structural cardiac changes are positively associated with AAS dose and complete recovery occurred after AAS were discontinued.
Highlights
The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is not uncommon among strength athletes
Male Age Height Weight Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) Previous AAS use Current sport Fitness/bodybuilding Competitive bodybuilding Weight lifting Combat sports Fitness schedule at baseline Number of training sessions (/week) Duration of training sessions Time weekly spent at gym Cycle characteristics Cycle length Number of AAS Average weekly dose* Cumulative dose* Post-cycle therapy Use of other performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) during cycle Creatine Growth hormone Levothyroxine hCG Insulin Tamoxifen Aromatase inhibitors Drug use during study period Nicotine Alcohol Ecstasy/amphetamines Cocaine Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) Cannabis Other (3-FMP, ketamine, 2-CB) ≥3 drugs
This was similar to the cycle characteristics of the subjects in the HAARLEM study cohort who were not included for echocardiography
Summary
Men of at least 18 years old intending to start an AAS cycle on short notice were included for comprehensive 3D echocardiographic examination before (T0), at the end of the cycle (T1), and 1 year after inclusion (T2) after a recovery period. Trend analysis and multivariable regression analysis were performed with mixed effects linear models
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
