Title : Cardiomyopathy induced by anabolic-androgenic steroid: A systematic literature review and case study
Abstract:
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone widely misused to enhance athletic performance and physical appearance. While their benefits are well-known, their adverse effects particularly on the cardiovascular system are often underrecognized. This presentation discusses findings from a systematic literature review alongside a unique case study of AAS-induced cardiomyopathy.
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to identify studies reporting cardiomyopathy linked to AAS use. The review identified 41 studies highlighting a consistent link between long-term AAS abuse and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, left ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Mechanisms proposed include direct myocardial toxicity, altered lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis of cardiac cells.
To add to the literature, a real-life case of a 26-year-old male bodybuilder with no prior cardiovascular history is presented. The patient exhibited severe left ventricular dysfunction and global hypokinesia, confirmed via echocardiography and cardiac MRI. He had a history of prolonged AAS use. Upon cessation of AAS and initiation of standard heart failure therapy, partial cardiac function recovery was noted within six months. This presentation highlights the urgent need for clinical awareness and regulatory policies addressing AAS misuse.
