Cardiovascular Effects of Long Term Androgenic Anabolic Steroid Use

Background: Anabolic steroids have been a consistent area of debate when it comes to athletes. Anabolic steroids are very common in certain sports like powerlifting and bodybuilding. Negative health effects have been found to be associated with the long term use of anabolic steroids. The objective of this review is to determine if there are negative cardiovascular effects associated with chronic androgenic anabolic steroid use when compared to non-steroid users. Methods: A literature review of past research articles was performed. Pertinent information was obtained from the sources and compiled as evidence for the topic of this paper. Results: Using primarily bodybuilder populations, the findings obtained from the articles supported decreased left ventricular function, increase in blood pressure, atherosclerosis of blood vessels, and an increase in LDL with a decrease in HDL. Conclusion: Anabolic steroids can be contributed to decreased left ventricular function, increased blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and increase LDL and decrease HDL leading to an overall decrease in cardiovascular function. Improving education on the cardiovascular impact anabolic steroids can have can ultimately decrease the risk of individuals abusing these drugs and having a decrease in overall health