Heart at risk: anabolic steroids and the search for a perfect body

Introduction: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) have been known to enhance muscle development, yet they have also been associated with detrimental cardiovascular changes in both the heart and blood vessels. Objectives: This study aimed to identify electrocardiographic changes in individuals consuming anabolic steroids in relation to body image enhancement. Material and method: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among individuals using AAS for body image improvement and engaging in amateur gym training. Electrocardiographic changes were assessed according to international criteria for electrocardiogram interpretation in amateur athletes. Two experts independently analyzed the electrocardiograms, along with collecting data such as duration of consumption, age, and gender. Results: Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were obtained from 23 participants, with 95.4% being male and 4.6% female, recruited through snowball sampling. Exercise-related changes, deemed expected per international criteria for electrocardiogram interpretation in amateur athletes, were observed, alongside findings considered borderline. However, abnormal changes were identified in 7 individuals, including anterior T-wave inversion (4.35%), complete left bundle branch block (4.35%), prolonged QT interval (4.35%), left posterior block (4.35%), and nonspecific ST-segment depression with left ventricular hypertrophy (4.35%). Conclusions: Several electrocardiographic abnormalities were identified, which could pose serious implications, with over 50% of participants exhibiting borderline changes associated with anabolic steroid use. Further longitudinal and associative studies are warranted to comprehend their impact on the cardiovascular system. Developing public policies involving increased state control of these substances and promoting supervision by healthcare professionals is imperative.