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
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