The influence of anabolic steroids on physiologic processes and exercise
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a group of synthetic compunds that mimic the effects of testosterone in the body[1]. AAS are often abused by individuals to utilize their anabolic effect with the intended purpose of increasing lean muscle mass. AAS can have profound effects on the cardiovascular system with extended abuse.
Cardiovascular Effects[edit | edit source]
AAS abuse puts users at a significantly increased risk of mortality, which has been attributed to pathological changes in the cardiovascular system[2]. AAS users have been shown to have a lower amount of heart rate variability (HRV) than non-users, putting them at an increased risk of autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction and ventricular arrythmia[3]. AAS users have also been found to have a lower measurment of high frequency power and is indicative of decresed vagal and parasympathetic activity in the heart[3][4].
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ National Institute on Drug Abuse. Anabolic Steroids. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/anabolic-steroids (accessed November 10, 2015)
- ↑ Achar S, Rostamian A, Narayan SM. Cardiac and metabolic effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse on lipids, blood pressure, left ventricular dimensions, and rhythm. The American journal of cardiology. 2010 Sep 15;106(6):893-901. PubMed PMID: 20816133. Pubmed Central PMCID: PMC4111565. Epub 2010/09/08. eng.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Maior A, Carvalho A, Marques-Neto S, Menezes P, Soares P, Nascimento J. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in anabolic steroid users. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine & Science In Sports [serial on the Internet]. (2013, Oct), [cited November 12, 2015]; 23(5): 548-555. Available from: SPORTDiscus with Full Text.
- ↑ Hedman AE, Hartikainen JE, Tahvanainen KU, Hakumaki MO. The high frequency component of heart rate variability reflects cardiac parasympathetic modulation rather than parasympathetic 'tone'. Acta physiologica Scandinavica. 1995 Nov;155(3):267-73. PubMed PMID: 8619324. Epub 1995/11/01. eng.
