Doping, dietary supplements, and cardiovascular system

Abstract

Dietary supplements and various other supporting preparations are widely used in elite as well as hobby sport. However, their use might be associated with serious health risks involving cardiovascular impairment. These include direct damage of vessels and myocardium by substances prohibited because of their health impairing effects, but also by these substances contaminating allowed sports supplements, by mutual amplification of bioactive effects of multiple substances used often by athletes, or by biologically active, potentially cardiotoxic substances present in natural products. The spectrum of harmful cardiovascular effects is wide, from relatively less serious to fatal consequences. Because of these reasons, it is important to analyse cardiovascular problems of athletes cautiously, and take seriously into account potentially cardiotoxic effects of sports supplements used by athletes.