Yes, anabolic steroids can cause heart attacks if used incorrectly.

AAS, also known simply as steroids, are the most widely misused drugs to enhance appearance and performance. Using them incorrectly can affect heart health and cause an early heart attack.

AAS is an artificial version of the hormone testosterone. They promote muscle growth but disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance.

Doctors may prescribe AAS to treat certain conditions, such as low testosterone or delayed puberty. However, many people use them illegally to increase lean muscle mass. This could be for bodybuilding, improving performance or endurance, or reducing recovery time between workouts.

AAS can have multiple effects on the cardiovascular system and may contribute to heart attack risk.

These can contribute to increased levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, in the blood and decreased levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, in the blood.

High LDL levels and low HDL levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries. This can increase blood pressure and restrict blood flow.

Steroids also increase the risk of blood clots forming in blood vessels, which can obstruct blood flow and damage the heart muscle. When blood can’t reach the heart and brain, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Additionally, anabolic steroids can cause structural changes in the heart, reducing ventricular function and inducing irregular heartbeats. may become Threaten life.

In addition to cardiovascular effects, incorrect use of AAS can lead to adverse health complications, including:

• Sexual dysfunction, decreased sperm production, enlarged breasts, shrinking testicles, androgenetic alopecia, testicular cancer in men
• irreversible Decreased female voice, decreased breast size, rough skin, irregular menstruation, and excessive body hair growth
• Psychological effects such as aggression and mania
• Severe acne, cysts, oily scalp or skin, or abscesses
• tendon injury
• Short height, adolescents
• hairy liver and tumor
• HIV or hepatitis, sharing used needles

People who abuse AAS may also become dependent on it.around it 30% Some people who misuse them develop substance use disorders. This is when a person continues to use steroids despite the negative impact they are having on their life.

People may spend a lot of time and money on drugs, and withdrawal symptoms may make it difficult to stop using them.

It is important to distinguish between anabolic steroids and corticosteroids that improve physical performance. The latter is prescribed by doctors to treat inflammatory conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases.

Although both types of steroids have some similarities, they have different effects on the body and come with different risks.

corticosteroid mainly It affects inflammation and does not help build muscle mass. In fact, they can cause muscle loss.

High-dose or long-term corticosteroid therapy can contribute to the development of heart attack risk factors such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar.

Although no studies have directly compared the risks of corticosteroids and anabolic steroids, corticosteroids require medical supervision, whereas anabolic steroids do not. This means doctors can monitor for signs of cardiovascular disease.

Drugs that enhance appearance or performance come with risks. Therefore, the safest way to build muscle and endurance is through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest.

A 2019 review of prior research states that several legal, evidence-based supplements may help improve athletic performance. These include:

• caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness and neuromuscular function and may be beneficial during short-term or endurance exercise. However, for some people, it can cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, and nausea.
• Creatine monohydrate: This is an amino acid and one of the building blocks of proteins. Improves the ability to perform short-term, high-intensity exercise.
• nitrate: This compound may improve aerobic performance. Food sources include leafy greens, celery, and beetroot.

Consulting with a qualified medical professional or certified trainer can develop a personalized strategy to help individuals achieve their fitness goals safely and effectively.

While fitness goals can be a source of motivation, it’s important to note that perfectionism regarding athletic performance or appearance can be harmful.

If you find yourself becoming increasingly self-conscious about how you look or how you exercise, you may want to talk to a mental health professional for support.

It’s especially important to do this if you take extreme actions because you’re dissatisfied with your body. These may include taking drugs, restricting your diet, forcing exercise, or fasting for long periods of time. These behaviors are unnecessary for maintaining health and are associated with health conditions such as eating disorders.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about steroids.

How common are steroid deaths?

Although deaths directly attributable to anabolic steroid misuse are relatively rare, long-term adverse effects can increase the risk of premature death.

A 2019 study of 545 Danish men concluded that men using anabolic steroids were three times more likely to die than men who were not using them.

What is the average age of death for steroid users?

Despite widespread misuse in certain sports, there is currently little research into the average age of death for people taking anabolic steroids to enhance performance.

a 2023 survey Reports of famous bodybuilders dying before the age of 50 are common. However, this may not reflect the true average and requires further investigation.

Health experts do not fully understand the link between anabolic steroids and heart attacks. However, research suggests that these substances have a negative impact on cardiovascular health. Over time, misuse of anabolic steroids can lead to heart attacks.

Other negative effects of anabolic steroid misuse can include decreased sperm count, severe acne, aggression, and other health problems. Some people who use steroids as performance-enhancing drugs may develop a substance use disorder, making it difficult to stop taking them.

By adopting evidence-based strategies and seeking guidance from medical professionals, individuals can optimize their physical performance while protecting their long-term health.