Cardiac Effects of Anabolic Steroids: Hypertrophy, Ischemia and Electrical Remodelling as Potential Triggers of Sudden Death

Title: Cardiac Effects of Anabolic Steroids: Hypertrophy, Ischemia and Electrical Remodelling as Potential Triggers of Sudden Death

Volume: 11 Issue: 5

Author(s): J. H.M. Nascimento and E. Medei

Affiliation:

Keywords: Anabolic steroid, hypertrophy, sudden cardiac death, myocardial ischemia, electrical remodelling, dysautonomia, Anabolic-androgenic steroids, AAS, synthetic, testosterone derivatives, anabolic activity, androgenic activity, AAS abuse, athletes, atherogenic, thrombogenic, spastic effects

Abstract: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic testosterone derivatives developed to maximise anabolic activity and minimise androgenic activity. AAS abuse is widespread among both athletes and non-athletes at fitness centres and is becoming a public health issue. In addition to their atherogenic, thrombogenic and spastic effects, AAS have direct cardiotoxic effects by causing hypertrophy, electrical and structural remodelling, and contractile dysfunction and by increasing the susceptibility to ischemic injuries. All of these factors contribute to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Cite this article as:

H.M. Nascimento J. and Medei E., Cardiac Effects of Anabolic Steroids: Hypertrophy, Ischemia and Electrical Remodelling as Potential Triggers of Sudden Death, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2011; 11 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138955711795445899