Illicit Anabolic Steroid Use and Cardiovascular Status in Men and Women

Is illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) associated with cardiovascular status in male and female recreational athletes?In this cross-sectional study of 164 participants (80 active AAS users, 26 previous users, and 58 nonusers), coronary artery calcification and echocardiographic measures were associated with cumulative lifetime exposure to AAS in both sexes. Findings were most pronounced for participants with more than 5 years of AAS intake.Cumulative lifetime AAS exposure was an independent factor associated with coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial dysfunction in both sexes, suggesting preventive measures against use of AAS in recreational sports should target both men and women.

Corresponding Author: Jan Frystyk, MD, PhD, DMSc, Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, Odense, Denmark (jan.frystyk@rsyd.dk).

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