A study from the University of Birmingham and German researchers has found that using anabolic steroids could increase the risk of a serious heart condition called atrial fibrillation. This discovery is particularly concerning for young men who use steroids to build muscle, often influenced by social media trends.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone, commonly used in bodybuilding to enhance muscle growth. While their effects on muscle size and strength are well known, this study highlights the potential dangers they pose to heart health, especially for those with a genetic risk for heart disease.
The research focused on a heart condition called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), which weakens the heart muscle and disrupts the way heart cells connect.
ARVC is more common and severe in men, and this study suggests that steroid use could make it even worse by increasing the chances of atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes irregular heartbeats.
The scientists found that using anabolic steroids for just six weeks damaged cell connections in the heart and reduced sodium channel function, slowing down electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers (atria).
This disruption could raise the risk of dangerous heart rhythm problems, particularly in young men who are already prone to heart issues.
Professor Larissa Fabritz, one of the researchers, emphasized that high testosterone levels could worsen heart conditions like ARVC, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.
The findings serve as a warning for those who take steroids to gain muscle mass without fully understanding the risks. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok promoting muscle-building trends, more young men are using steroids without considering the impact on their heart health.
This research highlights the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of anabolic steroids, especially for those who might have an underlying risk of heart disease. Young athletes and bodybuilders should be aware that while steroids may help with muscle growth, they could also lead to severe heart problems in the long run.
The study, published in The Journal of Physiology, adds to growing evidence that steroid misuse can have serious health consequences. Understanding these risks can help individuals make informed choices about their health and fitness goals.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that vitamin K helps cut heart disease risk by a third, and a year of exercise reversed worrisome heart failure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about supplements that could help prevent heart disease, stroke, and results showing this food ingredient may strongly increase heart disease death risk.
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