Steroids and Cardiovascular Risks: Long-Term Adverse Effects and Their Relationship with Regular Physical Activity

Authors

  • Ana Clara Moreira Gonçalves Instituto Master de Ensino Presidente Antônio Carlos https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8104-8409
  • Julia Cristina Resende
  • Danilo Pereira da Costa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47224/revistamaster.v10i19.638

Keywords:

anabolic agents, Adverse effects, Cardiovascular diseases, Physical Exercise

Abstract

The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) has become common to enhance physical performance but is associated with a range of significant cardiovascular complications, even among physically active individuals. This article reviews the adverse effects of AAS on the heart and blood vessels, discussing how physical exercise can influence these effects, either partially mitigating or exacerbating the risks. The review included articles from 2020 to 2024, based on searches in the PubMed, SciELO, and BVS databases, where studies addressing the cardiovascular effects of AAS and the influence of physical exercise were selected. The results suggest that although exercise may partially attenuate some of the negative effects of AAS, it cannot fully eliminate the risks, especially in cases of prolonged use and high doses. Therefore, even with beneficial adaptations induced by exercise, cardiovascular damage remains high, underscoring the importance of a cautious approach to AAS use and the need for continuous medical monitoring to minimize cardiovascular health risks.

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References

ALBANO, Giuseppe Davide et al. Adverse effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids: a literature review. In: Healthcare. MDPI, 2021. p. 97.

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TUNGESVIK, Helene Melsom; BJØRNEBEKK, Astrid; HISDAL, Jonny. Função vascular prejudicada entre jovens usuários de esteroides anabólicos-androgênicos. Scientific Reports , v. 14, n. 1, p. 19201, 2024.

Published

2025-08-08

How to Cite

MOREIRA GONÇALVES, A. C.; CRISTINA RESENDE, J.; PEREIRA DA COSTA, D. Steroids and Cardiovascular Risks: Long-Term Adverse Effects and Their Relationship with Regular Physical Activity. Revista Master - Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão, [S. l.], v. 10, n. 19, 2025. DOI: 10.47224/revistamaster.v10i19.638. Disponível em: https://revistamaster.emnuvens.com.br/RM/article/view/638. Acesso em: 11 aug. 2025.

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