Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
08:10
Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
2.0K
Association between fragmented QRS complexes and left-ventricular dysfunction in anabolic androgenic steroid users
Ülker Kaya1, Hayati Eren1, Lütfi Öcal2
1Department of Cardiology, Elbistan State Hospital, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.
Acta Cardiologica
|October 31, 2019
Summary
Fragmented QRS (fQRS) can detect subclinical left ventricle dysfunction in anabolic androgen steroid (AS) users. This finding suggests fQRS may help identify AS-related cardiac issues, promoting cessation of drug use.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Anabolic androgen steroid (AS) use is linked to adverse left ventricular (LV) effects, including fibrosis.
- Fragmented QRS (fQRS) is a marker of myocardial fibrosis.
- Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) assesses subclinical LV dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ability of fQRS to detect LV fibrosis in AS users.
- To correlate fQRS with STE-derived LV function parameters.
Main Methods:
- 181 healthy athletes were divided into AS users (n=89) and non-AS users (n=92).
- AS users were further categorized into fQRS+ (n=52) and fQRS- (n=37).
- Left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and E/SRe ratio were measured using STE.
Main Results:
- AS users showed significant differences in E/SRe, LV-GLS, and fQRS compared to non-AS users (p<0.05).
- The fQRS+ group exhibited poorer LV-GLS and E/SRe compared to the fQRS- group.
- fQRS was identified as an independent predictor of LV-GLS and E/SRe.
Conclusions:
- fQRS can identify subclinical systolic and diastolic dysfunction in AS users.
- fQRS may serve as a valuable tool for monitoring cardiac health in AS users.
- This marker could aid in recommending cessation of AS use, particularly in long-term users.
Keywords:
Fragmented QRSanabolic androgenic steroidleft ventricular functionsspeckle tracking echocardiographyMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
386
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
386
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
403
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
403
01:29Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
413
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
413
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
344
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
344
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
179
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
179
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
2.4K
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
2.4K