New research has found a troubling connection between the use of anabolic steroids and a dangerous heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation. This condition affects how the heart beats and can increase the risk of stroke and other serious health problems.
The study was led by scientists from the University of Birmingham and the University Medical Center Hamburg in Germany, and their results were published in The Journal of Physiology.
Anabolic steroids are man-made versions of the hormone testosterone. They are often used by bodybuilders and young men who want to build muscle quickly. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, more young people are being exposed to images of extreme muscle growth, which can lead them to try these substances without fully understanding the risks.
This new study, led by Dr. Laura Sommerfeld, focused on a heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). ARVC weakens the structure of the heart muscle, especially in the area responsible for pumping blood to the lungs.
It is more common and more dangerous in men. The researchers discovered that using anabolic steroids, even for just six weeks, can make this heart condition worse.
Here’s what happens: the steroids damage the tiny connections between heart cells and reduce the function of sodium channels in the heart. These channels are essential for passing electrical signals that keep the heart beating regularly.
When these signals slow down or become uneven, it can lead to atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats in a fast or irregular way. This kind of heart rhythm problem can be life-threatening if not treated.
The study also warns that the risk is especially high for young men who already have a genetic tendency toward heart problems. Professor Larissa Fabritz, one of the senior researchers, explained that high levels of testosterone from steroids may make existing heart conditions more severe and more dangerous.
This research is important because it shows how steroid use affects more than just muscles. It can also damage the heart in ways that may not be visible right away. Many young people think steroids are safe to use for short periods, but this study proves that even a few weeks of use can put their heart at risk.
The researchers urge people to think carefully before using anabolic steroids, especially if they have a family history of heart disease. They also call on health professionals and fitness influencers to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of steroids.
If you’re looking for ways to support your heart health, research has also shown that natural options like yogurt may lower the risk of dying from heart disease, and that eggs might help reduce heart disease risk. However, it’s always best to speak with a doctor before making major changes to your diet or lifestyle.
In summary, this study is a strong warning: using anabolic steroids for muscle growth can harm your heart and may trigger dangerous rhythm problems, especially in young men. As the trend of steroid use grows on social media, it’s more important than ever to be informed and stay safe.
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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