Atherogenic effects of anabolic steroids on serum lipid levels: a literature review

Article Abstract:

Anabolic steroids (AS) are drugs often used illegally by athletes to increase muscle bulk, strength and speed. A number of studies in recent years have demonstrated that AS have an adverse effect on an individual's cholesterol profile. Total blood cholesterol is a measure of the sum of all the components of cholesterol. Two of the most important components are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). High levels of HDL are associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease, while low levels of HDL increase the risk of coronary heart disease. The opposite is true of LDL. Fifteen studies that examined the relation between anabolic steroid use and cholesterol levels were reviewed. All the studies showed that the use of AS dramatically reduced HDL levels, particularly when given orally (rather than by injection). This lowering of HDL reached its maximum decrease at approximately one week, and HDL levels generally returned to normal within one month of stopping AS use. Most of these studies also showed an increase in the LDL level with the use of AS. The reduction in HDL level averaged 50 percent below the patients' starting HDL levels, which placed them in the class of patients judged to be at highest risk for coronary heart disease. By comparison, smoking one pack of cigarettes per day typically reduces HDL by 10 percent, while being overweight reduces HDL by 4 percent. The combination of lowered HDL and elevated LDL raises the risk of coronary heart disease in the users of AS to three to six times average. Exact measurements of the increase in risk are impossible, because of the reluctance of those taking AS to admit their illegal use of the drugs, and the fact that permitting the study of an illegal substance with known adverse effects in a controlled trial would be unethical. Nevertheless, the evidence that exists is strong and physicians should counsel patients who might be using anabolic steroids that they are at great risk of coronary heart disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Coronary heart disease, High density lipoproteins, Low density lipoproteins, Anabolic steroids

---

Risk factors and early extracoronary atherosclerotic plaques detected by three-site ultrasound imaging in hypercholesterolemic men

Article Abstract:

Hypercholesterolemia (abnormally high levels of blood cholesterol) is associated with atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty plaque forms within arteries, ultimately limiting the flow of blood through them. To learn more about the health of arteries in 208 hypercholesteremic men (men whose cholesterol levels were higher than 240 milligrams per deciliter), an ultrasound study was undertaken. Ultrasound is a noninvasive method of measuring plaque build-up in large arteries such as the aorta (which delivers blood from the heart to the body); the carotid arteries (which deliver blood to the head and brain); the femoral arteries (which deliver blood to the legs); and other vessels. Subjects were studied during a one-day hospitalization period to determine blood lipid (fat) levels, blood pressure, smoking status, body mass index (a measure of obesity), and general health. Blood vessels were evaluated for the presence of atherosclerotic plaque at three locations (the abdominal aorta, femoral arteries in the upper thigh, and carotid arteries where they pass through the neck). Comparisons between subjects with plaque and those without showed several differences. Those with plaque in the carotid arteries had higher levels of total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (one of the forms in which cholesterol is transported in the blood). Plaque in the femoral arteries was associated with greater age, higher systolic blood pressure (the first of the two blood pressure values), more pack-years of smoking, and higher levels of LDL cholesterol. Finally, subjects with aortic plaque tended to be older and to have higher diastolic and systolic pressures, higher levels of blood glucose when fasting, and more pack-years of smoking. The results are discussed with reference to the risk factors for atherosclerotic disease. It appears that, even when cholesterol levels are high, additional risk factors (age, smoking) affect the development of that disorder. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Cases, Atherosclerosis, Hypercholesterolemia, Arteries

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Estrogen replacement and cardiovascular disease: serum lipids and blood pressure effects. Compliance considerations with estrogen replacement: withdrawal bleeding and other factors
• Abstracts: Effects of low dose corticosteroids on bone mass in rheumatoid arthritis: a longtitudinal study. Reduced bone formation in non-steroid treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis
• Abstracts: The effects of mefenamic acid and norethisterone on measured menstrual blood loss. A review of 35 endometrial ablations using the Nd:YAG laser for recurrent menometrorrhagia
• Abstracts: Could antiprogesterones be used as alternative cervical ripening agents? Early surgical abortion: an alternative to and backup for medical abortion
• Abstracts: Continuous interleukin-2 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as treatment of advanced melanoma: a National Biotherapy Study Group trial

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.