Anabolic-androgenic steroids among recreational athletes and cardiovascular risk

The use of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) is rising, particularly among recreational athletes. This review addresses growing concerns about the underrecognized cardiovascular and multiorgan consequences of chronic AAS exposure with a focus on noncompetitive populations.

It is well documented that AAS use enhances muscle mass and strength, but at the cost of multisystem toxicity including endocrine disruption, hepatotoxicity, and mood disorders. Emerging evidence highlights the profound cardiovascular impact of AAS use, including elevated blood pressure, adverse lipid profiles, accelerated atherosclerosis, subclinical cardiomyopathy, and increased risk of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. Structural and functional cardiac abnormalities such as left ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular dysfunction, and arterial stiffness have been reported, with some changes persisting after cessation.

AAS use carries multisystem risks with evidence for adverse cardiovascular remodeling and atherogenesis. Clinicians caring for athletes using AAS should recognize patterns of AAS use and provide risk stratification, monitoring, and tapering strategies. Future research should prioritize long-term outcomes, sex-specific effects, and multidisciplinary approaches to care.