Acute myocardial infarction in young newbie bodybuilder using multiple steroid and protein supplements

Abstract

Coronary artery disease is one of the major reasons for all deaths worldwide and there has been a persistent rise of young myocardial infarction (MI) in past years [1]. The most common etiology for young MI accounts for lifestyle modification which includes sedentary life style, change in dietary habits, stressful and long working hours, strong family history, smoking, and development of other comorbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension at an early age [2]. In recent times, there has been an upward trend in youngsters regarding body building and use of various protein powders and anabolic steroids for faster results. Androgenic anabolic steroids causing improvement in physical performance is a leading cause of acute MI and sudden cardiac death [3]. The commonly used anabolic steroids include stanozolol and testosterone when used in physiological doses acts as replacement therapy for improvement in appetite, libido, mood, and treatment of hypogonadism without any significant adverse effect. However, supraphysiological doses have been reported to increase the incidence of cardiovascular risks by regulating the expression of platelet thromboxane A2 receptors in humans [4]. A similar association has been reported by use of protein

Premature Death in Bodybuilders: What Do We Know?

“…Bodybuilders often consume substantial quantities of dietary protein (1.9–4.3 g/kg body mass/day for men, 0.8–2.8 g/kg/day for women) [ 97 ], which exceeds recommendations for strength-trained athletes (1.4–2.0 g/kg/day) [ 98 – 100 ]. Some individuals may consume even greater amounts, as exemplified in a case report of a novice bodybuilder who consumed 750 g of protein per day [ 101 ]. The unique protein requirements for elite bodybuilders have not been studied, so it is unclear if such high protein intake is excessive or necessary for success [ 102 ].…”

“…However, it is difficult to determine if any one factor is causative. This is epitomized by a case report which describes myocardial infarction in a 26-year-old male novice bodybuilder [ 101 ]. The patient began bodybuilding training 2 months earlier, but was training 4 h per day, consuming 500 g of whey protein per day in addition to 250 g of dietary protein, while also taking an appetite suppressant (and lost 6 kg body mass in the previous 2 months), branched chain amino acids supplement, and a mixture of anabolic steroids [ 101 ].…”

“…This is epitomized by a case report which describes myocardial infarction in a 26-year-old male novice bodybuilder [ 101 ]. The patient began bodybuilding training 2 months earlier, but was training 4 h per day, consuming 500 g of whey protein per day in addition to 250 g of dietary protein, while also taking an appetite suppressant (and lost 6 kg body mass in the previous 2 months), branched chain amino acids supplement, and a mixture of anabolic steroids [ 101 ]. The patient’s body mass was unreported, but his BMI was 21.5 kg/m 2 – so assuming a very conservative estimate of body mass of 90 kg, he was consuming at least 8.3 g/kg protein per day.…”

Myocardial Infarction in Young Athletes

“…The majority of individuals using anabolic steroids are not associated with professional sports. They take anabolic steroids to enhance physical attractiveness [50,51]. The average age of steroid users is around 30 years old.…”

“…The use of anabolic steroids increases the risk of SCD in athletes by 6 to 20 times [45]. A few cases of MI associated with the use of anabolic steroids in athletes have been reported [44,45,[49][50][51][52][53][54][55]. It has been shown that testosterone therapy for 90 days can increase the risk of MI [54].…”