Androgen abuse and increased cardiac risk

Abstract

The objectives of this article were to review the anabolic androgen steroids, specifically the direct and indirect effects on the cardiovascular system of the individuals who use them, and to summarize the evidence regarding the effects of androgens on the cardiovascular system. A search of the English-language scientific literature from 1976 to March 2012 was performed primarily by searching the MEDLINE and Embase databases and Google. Anabolic androgenic steroids are associated with direct effects such as cardiac muscle hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis and indirect effects, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction. It is likely that chronic exposure to these agents can result in significant alterations in the cardiovascular system, and their safety has not been fully established. © 2012 The Southern Medical Association.