Steroids are synthetic compounds with various medical applications. However, certain types, particularly when misused, can pose significant health risks, including cardiovascular side effects that may lead to heart attacks.
Anabolic Steroids and Heart Health
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are the primary type of steroid associated with severe cardiovascular issues, including an increased risk of heart attacks. These synthetic versions of testosterone are often misused for performance enhancement. While doctors may prescribe AAS for specific medical conditions, their non-medical use is widespread.
AAS differ from corticosteroids, which are prescribed for reducing inflammation in conditions like eczema or asthma. Corticosteroids do not promote muscle growth and are not typically linked to direct heart attacks in the same manner as AAS, though they can influence the cardiovascular system by contributing to hypertension or fluid retention.
How Steroids Harm the Heart
Anabolic-androgenic steroids contribute to cardiovascular damage through several mechanisms, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks. One significant effect is dyslipidemia, where AAS alter cholesterol levels by increasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This imbalance promotes plaque buildup within arteries, which narrows them and raises the risk of coronary artery disease.
AAS use can also lead to hypertension, or elevated blood pressure. Additionally, anabolic steroids can cause myocardial damage and ventricular hypertrophy, an enlargement and stiffening of the heart muscle. This can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
Furthermore, AAS can increase the risk of thrombosis, the formation of blood clots. These clots can obstruct blood flow to the heart, potentially leading to a heart attack.
Recognizing Cardiac Warning Signs
Individuals using or considering steroids should be aware of heart attack warning signs. Chest discomfort is a frequent symptom, which may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or returns. This discomfort can also spread to other areas of the upper body, including one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Other signs include shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, lightheadedness, or sudden dizziness. Unusual tiredness, weakness, or unexplained anxiety are additional symptoms that warrant attention. If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services.
Medical Guidance on Steroid Use
Any use of anabolic-androgenic steroids should occur under strict medical supervision due to their health risks, especially to the heart. Consulting a healthcare professional before initiating steroid use is important to assess cardiovascular health and discuss potential risks and benefits. Medical evaluation can help identify any pre-existing conditions that might be exacerbated by steroid use.
The illicit use of AAS carries additional dangers, as these products may be unregulated and their purity or dosage uncertain. A healthcare provider can offer guidance on assessing cardiovascular health, managing potential side effects, and discussing safer alternatives or strategies for cessation if appropriate.