Cardiovascular Risks of Anabolic Steroids

This assignment involves analyzing the cardiovascular risks associated with anabolic steroid use in athletes. The study examines existing research on the topic, including articles from reputable journals such as Human & Experimental Toxicology, International Journal of Cardiology, and Forensic Science International. The findings suggest that anabolic steroid abuse can lead to ventricular dysfunction on cardiac MRI, cardiogenic shock complicating myocardial infarction, and even cardiac death in athletes. The assignment requires a critical analysis of the research and a conclusion on the cardiovascular risks associated with anabolic steroid use.

Impact of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS)
on cardiovascular system of athletes- a
systematic review
Name of Student:
Name of University

INTRODUCTION
 Androgenic Anabolic Steroids (AAS) used in sports
 Performance enhancement
 Strength and endurance gain
 Negative effect on health
 Changes in cardiovascular system

METHODOLOGY
 Systematic literature review
 Qualitative approach
 Databases- PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL and Proquest
 Keywords- Anabolic steroids, anabolic androgenic steroids, cardiac health,
cardiovascular system, cardiovascular health, negative, effect, impact,
outcome, athlete, young, adult, sport, sports
 Inclusion criteria-
 Year of publication: 2000 to 2018
 Articles that explore effects of AS on human body
 Articles published in peer-reviewed journals

RESULTS
 High risk of cardiovascular disorders and premature death, and cardiovascular
mortality leading to hospitalizations
 Risk of inter and intra Atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) higher
 Strong association with coronary atherosclerotic burden
 Diastolic and systolic blood pressure increased
 Alterations in the motion of left ventricular wall in cardiac system
 Disturbance in the banding pattern of cardiac muscle fiber, interrupted Z-
bands, loss of striation, dehiscent intercalated disc
 Acute myocardial infarction through coronary thrombus formation

CRITIQUE
o Methodological limitations
o Cross sectional design unsuitable
o More research needed on adult population
o Confounding factors not studied
o Data self-reported

STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS
o Many studies reviewed
o Generalized population
o Variability in results
o Publication bias

CONCLUSION
 Negative effect of AAS on cardiovascular system immense
 Future research needed with rigorous method
 Awareness level of athletes to be increased
 Education session to be conducted

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