Use of anabolic steroids can raise heart disease risk: Study

People who use anabolic steroids that mimic testosterones effects in the human body may increase underlying risk of a heart condition called atrial fibrillation a new study has foundThe new research published in the Journal of Physiology found that male sex hormones such as testosterone also called androgenic anabolic steroids AAS are misused for muscle building particularly among young menThis can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals genetically predisposed to heart diseasesOur study can significantly contribute to understanding the impact on the heart health of young men who misuse anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass said lead author Dr Laura Sommerfeld postdoctoral researcher from the University of Birmingham UKRecent reports have shown that young men in particular are being targeted on social media such as TikTok being sold testosterone products but we have shown how the misuse of steroids carries a specific risk that many people will not be aware of she addedThe scientists examined potential effects on a condition called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy ARVC which is genetically determined and primarily attributed to disruptions in the formation of cell connections critical for heart muscle stabilityHeart muscle diseases like ARVC affect young athletic individuals and can lead to lifethreatening heart rhythm disturbances Atrial fibrillation is a common condition in the general population Elevated testosterone levels can result in an earlier onset of these diseases said Professor Larissa Fabritz from the varsityThe scientists initially confirmed based on clinical patient data that ARVC occurs more frequently and severely in men than in womenIn laboratory experiments they discovered that six weeks of AAS intake combined with impaired cell connections could lead to reduced sodium channel function in heart tissue and a slowing of signal conduction within the atriaThis work implies that young male individuals with key inherited genetic changes have a greater risk of developing electrical problems in the heart in response to anabolic steroid abuse said Dr Andrew Holmes coauthor and Assistant Professor in the Institute of Clinical Sciences at the University of BirminghamThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever