Cardiovascular Disease in Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use is linked to increased mortality, with cardiovascular disease implicated in some deaths.
• The cardiovascular health impact on AAS users remains understudied.
• This research investigates cardiovascular disease incidence in male AAS users versus the general population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the incidence of cardiovascular disease in male AAS users.
• To compare cardiovascular disease rates in AAS users against a matched general population cohort.
• To identify specific cardiovascular risks associated with AAS use.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of male AAS users sanctioned in Denmark (2006-2018) was established.
• A 50:1 age- and sex-matched control group from the general Danish population was selected.
• Nationwide registries tracked cardiovascular events (e.g., myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy) and other health data until June 2023.

Main Results:

• AAS users (n=1189) showed significantly higher cardiovascular event rates than controls (n=59,450) over an 11-year follow-up.
• AAS use was associated with increased risks for acute myocardial infarction (aHR 3.00), revascularization procedures (aHR 2.95), venous thromboembolism (aHR 2.42), arrhythmias (aHR 2.26), cardiomyopathy (aHR 8.90), and heart failure (aHR 3.63).
• Limited data precluded reporting on ischemic stroke and cardiac arrest incidence in AAS users.

Conclusions:

• Anabolic androgenic steroid use is linked to a substantially increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• The findings highlight significant cardiovascular dangers associated with AAS consumption.
• This study underscores the need for awareness and preventative strategies regarding AAS-related cardiovascular risks.