Weightlifters do significant heart damage when taking anabolic steroids—but there is hope
The long-term use of anabolic-androgenic steroids is associated significant heart damage, according to new data published in European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging.[1] Researchers did note that the damage can be reversed if users stop taking the steroids for an extended period of time.
The study’s authors started by tracking data from 101 weightlifters who use anabolic steroids and another 71 nonusers. These participants were originally evaluated from 2017 to 2019 and then asked to return. Seventy anabolic steroid users and 35 nonusers returned for this follow-up analysis.
Overall, the authors found that weightlifters who kept using anabolic steroids were linked to persistent reductions in left ventricle (LV) mass, reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and worsening diastolic function. Weightlifters who stopped taking anabolic steroids, on the other hand, experienced considerable improvements in LV mass over time.
Continuous anabolic steroid users who received antihypertensive therapy, meanwhile, experienced improvements not seen otherwise.
“Discontinuation of anabolic-androgenic steroids use was associated with a reduction in heart muscle thickening and improvements in cardiac function, suggesting that at least some of these adverse effects may be reversible after stopping, and may even become comparable with the nonusers in the control group,” lead author Vibeke M. Almaas, MD, PhD, a cardiologist with Oslo University in Norway, said in a statement. “Antihypertensive therapy among ongoing anabolic-androgenic steroids users was associated with improved LV systolic function.”
“Our findings underline the importance of continuing both preventive work and harm reduction efforts,” added co-author Astrid Bjørnebekk, PhD, a researcher with Oslo University Hospital. “Anabolic steroids have been prohibited in competitive sports for decades, and since 2013, non-medical use and possession have also been illegal in Norway. Despite this, national reports indicate continued use of performance- and appearance-enhancing drugs, and increasing interest in them.”
Click here for the full analysis.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.