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Abnormal neurovascular control in anabolic androgenic steroids users
Maria Janieire Nazaré Nunes Alves1, Marcelo Rodrigues Dos Santos, Rodrigo Gonçalves Dias
1Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|December 10, 2009
Summary
Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) users exhibit higher muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and lower blood flow, leading to increased blood pressure. This suggests AAS use elevates cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Previous research indicates anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) elevate vascular resistance and blood pressure (BP) in humans.
- The impact of AAS on sympathetic nervous system activity and muscle blood flow requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if AAS users have increased muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and reduced forearm blood flow (FBF) compared to nonusers.
- To determine the association between MSNA and 24-hour BP in AAS users.
Main Methods:
- Study included 12 AAS users and 9 age-matched nonusers, all engaged in strength training.
- Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was measured using microneurography.
- Forearm blood flow (FBF) and 24-hour BP were monitored using plethysmography and ambulatory BP monitoring, respectively.
Main Results:
- AAS users showed significantly higher MSNA (29 vs. 20 bursts/min) and elevated BP (systolic: 131 vs. 120 mmHg; diastolic: 74 vs. 68 mmHg).
- Forearm blood flow (FBF) and forearm vascular conductance were significantly lower in AAS users.
- A significant positive correlation was found between MSNA and 24-hour mean BP (r=0.75, P=0.002).
Conclusions:
- Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) increase sympathetic nerve activity and reduce muscle blood flow in young individuals.
- Elevated BP in AAS users is linked to augmented sympathetic outflow.
- These findings suggest AAS use increases susceptibility to cardiovascular disease.
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