Open AccessLeft ventricular size and function in body builders using anabolic steroids
Author(s) -
Richard C. Salke,
Thomas W. Rowland,
Edmund J. Burke
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
medicine and science in sports and exercise
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.703
H-Index - 224
eISSN - 1530-0315
pISSN - 0195-9131
DOI - 10.1249/00005768-198512000-00014
Subject(s) - anabolism , myocardial hypertrophy , anabolic steroid , muscle hypertrophy , medicine , body weight , weight lifting , cardiology , endocrinology , athletes , physical therapy
Although controversial, there is evidence to support a direct effect of improved skeletal muscle strength and mass by anabolic steroids in weight-training athletes. The influence of these drugs on the myocardial hypertrophy demonstrated by these individuals is unknown. Echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular dimensions and function were evaluated in 15 steroid-using body builders and compared to body builders not taking these drugs as well as an inactive control group. Significant increase in left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) and ventricular septal (VS) thickness as well as an elevated VS/LVPW ratio were noted in both weight-lifting groups compared to controls. There were no differences, however, between the weight lifters with and without anabolic steroid use in any of the measurements. These data indicate no potentiating effects of these drugs on the myocardial hypertrophy observed with weight training.