Anabolic steroid users risk heart complications

Researchers have now measured the effects of anabolic steroid use on the heart. Anabolic steroid users, average age 40, were found to have weakened heart muscles that could lead to congestive heart failure.

Twelve body builders were examined using echocardiogram. Researchers found decreased pumping action of the heart, known as ejection fraction among long term steroid users. The average length of use was nine years in the study participants.

In addition to decreased pumping action of the heart, researchers also found increase relaxation during the resting phase (diastole) of the heart’s pumping action.

In the study, weight lifters who used anabolic steroids had ejection fraction (EF) less than 55 percent. Normal is 55 to 70 percent.

The scientists plan to study the effect of anabolic steroids on the heart muscle further. Heart complications are now found to be another risk of long term use of anabolic steroids, making it important to educate young athletes about the dangers.

AHA

Steroid Use Linked to Weapons Abuse and Fraud

Using non prescription steroids increases crime rates. Steroid users are more likely to commit crimes associated with fraud and weapons offense. Steroid use is also linked to episodes of violence, depression and mania.

Case reports or survey studies of groups using anabolic androgenic steroids found that steroids increase aggression and hostility. Between 1995 and 2001, Swedish researchers found that individuals who abuse steroids were twice as likely to commit fraud and be involved in weapons abuse.

Aggressiveness is a well documented side effect of steroid use and abuse, and has been linked to violent crimes.

Past analysis of individuals who tested positive for steroid use showed a definitive link between steroid use and abuse of weapons, and steroid users are also more likely to commit fraud.

Though steroids are linked to aggressiveness and hostility, past studies have also shown a higher incidence of fraud and weapons abuse in association with anabolic steroids. Steroid users are more likely to commit crimes involving weapons abuse and fraud, raising the risk of criminal behavior.

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63:1274-1279.

Mark McGwire can thank steroids for his success

Today Mark McGwire admitted to using steroids, when he hit his 70th home run in 1998; breaking Roger Maris’ record of 61 homeruns. “I used steroids during my playing career and I apologize”, said Mark McGwire. He also claims he took steroids to heal injuries, and can thank steroids for his successful career.

Mark McGwire has apologized, and can now thank steroids, not his own skill, for usurping Roger Maris. The confession is not a surprise. The latest steroid confession from McGwire adds to what many believe demeans baseball and disrespects athletes who choose not to boost athletic performance with dangerous performance enhancers.

Mark McGwire says using steroids during his baseball career was “foolish, saying “I wish I had never touched steroids”, calling it a “mistake”.

Mark McGwire’s statement that he used steroids “on and off” throughout his baseball career could have an impact on his coaching job with the Saint Louis Cardinals, but what the impact will be remains to be seen.

Senior MLB correspondent Hal Bodley said, had Mark McGwire not admitted to steroid use the “media would have been hounding him” during spring training. He also says he wishes Mark McGwire would have admitted to steroid use in front of Congress. Bodley said “I don’t think he would have hit as many home runs without steroids.”

Mark McGwire’s admission of steroid use was inevitable. There is not much more that he can say about it says Bodley who suspects Mark McGwire will “move on” now. More baseball players might come forward to thank steroids for their own success. Mark McGwire can feel good now. His conscience is clear….but we still need to give it back to Roger Maris.

MLB.com