Abnormal cardiac repolarization in anabolic androgenic steroid users carrying out submaximal exercise testing

Abstract

1. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardiovascular effects of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse by comparing the electrocardiographic parameters before and after submaximal exercise between AAS users and non-AAS users. 2. A total of 22 men who regularly engaged in both resistance and aerobic exercise at fitness academies volunteered for the study (control group: n = 11, age 25 ± 4 years; AAS group: n = 11, age 27 ± 5 years). All subjects were submitted to submaximal exercise testing using an Astrand-Rhyming protocol. Heart rate and electrocardiography parameters were measured at rest and at the third minute of the post-exercise recovery time. 3. AAS users presented higher QTc and QTd at rest (10% and 55%, respectively) and at the post-exercise period (17% and 43%, respectively), compared with control subjects. The maximal and minimum QTc interval of the AAS group was significantly prolonged at the post-exercise period (12% and 15%, respectively). The haemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). The AAS group showed a lower heart rate recovery at the first minute after the test (P = 0.0001), and a higher exertion score (P < 0.0001) at a lower workload, compared with the control group. 4. Our results show that the QTc interval and dispersion are increased in individuals who abuse AAS, suggesting the presence of ventricular repolarization abnormalities that could potentially increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Androgens in cardiac fibrosis and other cardiovascular mechanisms

“…Physiologic testosterone supplementation has been shown to reduce QT dispersion in patients with congestive heart failure [44]. In contrast, supraphysiologic doses of testosterone and other anabolic androgen steroids may facilitate ventricular arrhythmias by increasing QTc interval and dispersion [45] and by predisposing to reentry mechanism [46]. Androgen misuse has been also associated with episodes of atrial fibrillation [47,48].…”

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in anabolic steroid users

“…Serum testosterone, estradiol, follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were measured to confirm AAS usage, according to Maior et al. ().…”

Effects of Short-term Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Male Adults with Myocardial Infarction

“…We determined the VO2peak indirectly using Astrand's nomogram due to the high correlation between directly and indirectly measured VO2peak27 ) . This method has previously been decribed in detail28 ) .…”