Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids and Cardiovascular Risk

The 2019 review article examined the link between anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and cardiovascular risk, concluding that AAS use is associated with increased cardiovascular risks, including diseases such as cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibroblastic growth, dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac arrest. The review suggests that while AAS can have protective effects on the cardiovascular system at physiological doses, higher doses are toxic and can lead to serious cardiovascular issues. The document calls for greater awareness of these risks and professional guidance for AAS users. It also notes that the studies reviewed had confounding factors, indicating a need for further research to establish causality and toxicity. The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and reported no conflicts of interest.