Athletes and body builders who use anabolic steroids over a long period of time could run the risk of heart damage, according to research from the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. A study of male weight-lifters found more heart damage than expected compared to those who did not use steroids.This is one of the first studies to look specifically at the effects of steroid use on the heart's ability to pump blood.
The researchers found that 83 percent of those who had used steroid over a long period of time displayed a deficiency in their left ventricle, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood.
Although the study included only 12 steroid using weight-lifters and a control group of seven non-steroid users, the differences between to two groups was so dramatic further research is needed, the author said.
Previous studies have shown many adverse effects of long-term steroid use, including the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Source: Baggish, A.L., et al, "Long Term Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use is Associated with Left Ventricular Dysfunction," Circulation: Heart Failure April 27, 2010.
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