June 4, 2012
Study corelates steroid use with ventricular dysfunction
Anabolic androgenic steroid use is associated with ventricular dysfunction on cardiac MRI in strength trained athletes
AbstractÂ
Background
Uncertainty remains about possible cardiac adaptation to resistance training. Androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) use plays a potential role and may have adverse cardiovascular effects.Objective
To elucidate the effect of resistance training and of AAS-use on cardiac dimensions and function.Participants
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were performed in 156 male subjects aged 18-40
years: 52 non-athletes (maximum of 3exercise hours/week), 52 strength-endurance (high dynamic-high static, HD-HS) athletes and 52 strength (low dynamic-high static, LD-HS) trained athletes (athletes ≥6exercise hours/week). 28 LD-HS athletes denied and 24 admitted to AAS use for an average duration of 5years (range 3months-20years).
Results
No significant differences were found between non-athletes and non-AAS-using LD-HS athletes. AAS-using LD-HS athletes had significantly larger LV and RV volumes and LV wall mass than non-AAS-using LD-HS athletes, but lower than HD-HS athletes. In comparison to all other groups AAS-using LD-HS athletes showed lower ejection fractions of both ventricles (LV/RV EF 51/48% versus 55-57/51-52%) and lower E/A ratios (LV/RV 1.5/1.2 versus 1.9-2.0/1.4-1.5) as an indirect measure of diastolic function. Linear regression models demonstrated a significant effect of AAS-use on LV EDV, LV EDM, systolic function and mitral valve E/A ratio (all ANOVA-tests p<0.05).
Conclusions
Strength athletes who use AAS show significantly different cardiac dimensions and biventricular systolic dysfunction and impaired ventricular inflow as compared to non-athletes and non-AAS-using strength athletes. Increased ventricular volume and mass did not exceed that of strength-endurance athletes. These findings may help raise awareness of the consequences of AAS use. Keywords:Â Athletes, Cardiac MRI, Anabolic androgenic steroids, Strength training, Ventricular function, Cardiac adaptationTo access this article, please choose from the options below
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