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September 5, 2025Strength and conditioning journal0 citations

Potential Cardiovascular Considerations of Androgenic Anabolic Steroid Abuse for Enhanced Bodybuilding and Physique Competitors

GEGuillermo Escalante DMDean St Mart LCLucas Caseri Câmara

Key Points

AAS abuse may lead to significant cardiovascular issues including cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension.
Research indicates higher AAS use in physique competitors compared to the general population, with potential health risks.
Long-term effects include dyslipidemia and systolic dysfunction, emphasizing the need for awareness and prevention strategies.
Confounding factors associated with AAS use can exacerbate cardiovascular side effects, necessitating caution among users.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Use of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) among male and female fitness enthusiasts, noncompetitive physique athletes, and competitive physique athletes has been increasing and is a public health concern. Specifically, among physique competitors, research indicates that the use of AAS is significantly higher than the general population. AAS abuse has been associated with various side effects, including the cardiovascular system. As such, the purpose of this narrative review was to discuss the potential long-term and short-term cardiovascular effects of AAS abuse such as cardiac hypertrophy, dyslipidemia, erythrocytosis, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and hypertension that are associated with AAS abuse. Moreover, the article discusses confounding factors that lead to deleterious cardiovascular side effects and potential strategies that can be implemented by AAS users to try to mitigate the risks.

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