Forensic Approach in Cases of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse and Cardiovascular Mortality: Insights from Autopsy, Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry and Toxicology
October 2025
in “
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
”
Studysummary This review examines AAS-related deaths and finds that anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse may lead to severe cardiac abnormalities, contributing to fatal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in young athletes and bodybuilders.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This systematic review examines the cardiovascular effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse, focusing on forensic analyses such as autopsy, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and toxicology. It reveals that AAS abuse is linked to severe cardiac abnormalities, including left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary thrombosis, and dilated cardiomyopathy, which can lead to sudden cardiac death, particularly in young athletes and bodybuilders. Histopathological findings show myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, while toxicological tests confirm prolonged AAS use. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating various forensic analyses to identify AAS-related deaths accurately and highlights the need for prevention strategies to curb AAS abuse due to its severe cardiovascular and systemic risks.
