RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE USE OF ANABOLIC STEROIDS AND OCCURRENCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN ADULTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594702430078

• Palavras-chave: -

• Keywords: -

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Anabolic androgenic steroid hormones (AAS) are derivatives of testosterone, produced mainly in the testes in men and in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. Initially used during the Second World War to increase the aggressiveness of soldiers and for therapeutic purposes, EAA became popular among athletes to improve sports performance. Currently, its use is common among recreational athletes, especially young people, despite the unknown or underestimated risks to cardiovascular health. Method: This literature review was conducted in six stages, including topic selection, definition of inclusion and exclusion criteria, and critical evaluation of studies. The research was carried out at BIREME, using the VHL and databases such as PubMed and Cochrane. 127 articles were found, of which, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 5 were selected for analysis, in addition to information from ABC Cardiol. Results and discussion: The review identified several negative impacts of EAA use on the cardiovascular system, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial necrosis, heart failure, thromboembolism and arrhythmia. Theoretical models explain these effects by changes in lipoprotein levels, increased platelet aggregation, vasospasm and myocardial injuries. Conclusion: The use of EAA represents a significant risk to cardiovascular health, evidenced by several studies that link these substances to adverse cardiac events. The high incidence of heart attack and chronic arterial disease among adolescents and adults reinforces the need to discourage the use of AAS. Therefore, it is crucial to warn about the serious and potentially fatal risks of these substances.