The IMPACT OF ANABOLIC STEROID USE ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: ANALYSIS OF RISKS AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2026v8n5p223-241Keywords:
esteroides androgênicos anabolizantes, doenças cardiovasculares, dislipidemia, hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, tromboseAbstract
Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of structural, metabolic, and hematological cardiovascular alterations in chronic users of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and based on the PICO strategy. Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, Embase, and Scopus, covering publications from 2017 to 2026. A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Evidence consistently demonstrates that AAS use is associated with significant cardiovascular alterations, including left ventricular hypertrophy, reduced ejection fraction, endothelial dysfunction, and increased arterial stiffness. Additionally, an atherogenic lipid profile was observed, marked by decreased HDL and increased LDL levels, along with erythrocytosis, blood hyperviscosity, and elevated thromboembolic risk. Conclusion: Chronic supraphysiological use of AAS is strongly associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, highlighting the need for clinical monitoring and targeted public health strategies.Downloads
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rayan De Moraes Couto Spindola, Lucas Reis da Silva Fernandes, Rodrigo César Carvalho Freitas

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