Cardiovascular Effects of Anabolic Steroids in Athletes: A Review

This report presents a systematic literature review investigating the impact of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on the cardiovascular systems of athletes. The methodology involved a qualitative approach, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and others, with specific inclusion criteria focusing on articles published between 2000 and 2018. The review highlights significant negative effects, including increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, premature death, elevated blood pressure, and alterations in heart muscle structure. The findings suggest a strong association between AAS use and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, emphasizing the need for further research with rigorous methodologies, increased awareness among athletes, and educational interventions to mitigate the risks associated with AAS use. The study's critique acknowledges methodological limitations and the need for more research on the adult population while emphasizing the importance of addressing confounding factors and self-reported data.

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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