Medicina (Kaunas) November 2020 PMID 33158202

Sudden Cardiac Death in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users: A Literature Review.

Marco Torrisi, Giuliana Pennisi, Ilenia Russo, Francesco Amico, Massimiliano Esposito, Aldo Liberto, Giuseppe Cocimano, Monica Salerno, Giuseppe Li Rosi, Nunzio Di Nunno, Angelo Montana

Full text PDF Download social card

Mentions

Peak: 4 in Jul 2023

across 3 sources since Jul 2021

Extended reach

258,386

potential audience

Total likes

2,457

Video views

36,572

Mentions per month

Jul 2021 – Jun 2025

Where it's discussed

X / Twitter11 posts
News4 articles
YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussion clearly reflects a high level of interest and agreement, with several posts citing medical terms like 'cardiomegaly' and 'fibrosis' to emphasize the seriousness of the issue, such as one mentioning how steroids can cause 'necrosis of myocardial tissue.' The tone varies from informational to cautionary, which supports a moderate engagement and impact rating.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the article's findings about the dangers of anabolic steroids and seem to agree with its implications, as seen in comments supporting the link between steroid use and deadly cardiac issues.

InterestHigh interest

The posts demonstrate high curiosity about the topic, with multiple mentioning specific cardiac changes and mechanisms, indicating strong engagement with the subject matter.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts include references to research details like heart hypertrophy, fibrosis, and specific steroids involved, showing moderate depth of engagement and discussion of key findings.

ImpactModerate impact

While some contributors emphasize the seriousness of the research and hint at clinical relevance, the overall tone suggests awareness rather than full-scale advocacy or policy changes, reflecting a moderate impact.

Abstract in brief

This review investigates the link between anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse and sudden cardiac death (SCD), highlighting that AAS use is common among athletes and bodybuilders and may contribute to fatal heart conditions.
Analysis of 33 reported cases shows that most victims are young males with a history of AAS use, with common cardiac changes including enlarged hearts and tissue damage, and the steroids most often involved are nandrolone, testosterone, and stanozolol.
The review discusses potential mechanisms leading to SCD in AAS users, such as heart hypertrophy, fibrosis, and other underlying pathological changes, though further research is needed to fully understand how steroids increase the risk of sudden death.

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Impact of Anabolic Steroids on Muscle Growth and Heart Health

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) promote muscle hypertrophy by increasing protein synthesis. Long-term use can harm cardiovascular and metabolic health, increasing risks of heart disease and metabolic syndrome…

Dr. Paulo Gentil · Dec 5, 2023 36,546 views

Risks and Long-term Effects of Anabolic Steroid Use

Anabolic steroids build muscle but also pose severe health risks, including heart failure, infertility, and sudden cardiac death. This video examines the science behind these hormones, their effects on health, and…

Health Unpacked Podcast · Jun 11, 2025 26 views

Blaine Kent

@KentBlaine · X

@kat4hopene83319 @MakisMD Steroids https://t.co/Gzw3R9sFF7

Jul 22, 2023 · 137 followers View post →

Blaine Kent

@KentBlaine · X

@JEB_i @MakisMD True…steroids will do this https://t.co/Gzw3R9s7Pz

Jul 22, 2023 · 137 followers View post →

James Noake

@DrJN_SportsMed · X

@BigBuhn @hodldezntz @techleadhd educate yourself https://t.co/S8zjMRf6IJ

Jul 10, 2023 · 33,147 followers View post →

Ralf B. Lukner MD PhD

@lukner · X

@FOHMaster @theRaelness @MarieAngelaW1 @stkirsch https://t.co/AmRfhIsYcG

Jul 2, 2023 · 1,200 followers View post →

Diego

@di1995_diego · X

@vfgdf41 @bernasbent @GuilhermeOCB1 @lukstriked @Bruna_Hawk https://t.co/gHtZofrWlz

Nov 14, 2022 · 12 followers View post →

Medicina MDPI

@MdpiMedicina · X

Oct 14, 2022 · 824 followers View post →

AJRimmer

@ajrimmer42 · X

@DrJamesOlsson https://t.co/l0HiDRfrCZ

Aug 25, 2022 · 191 followers View post →

Vinícius Borges

@DoutorMaravilha · X

https://t.co/IJMOLmOxzs

Jun 24, 2022 · 14 likes · 137,892 followers View post →

Rodrigo G P Lima

@RodrigogpLima · X

@dr_yakovlev @eromerodorta @strain_rate @mariovar55 @VerwerftJan @echo_stepbystep @kardioklick @marciomp50 @ASE360 @BSEcho https://t.co/Gn10xwGvMT

Apr 3, 2022 · 1 like · 4,979 followers View post →

Medicina MDPI

@MdpiMedicina · X

#mdpiMedicina - Recommend the editor's choice paper ''Sudden Cardiac Death in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users: A Literature Review''

Oct 14, 2021 · 824 followers View post →

Agingdoc

@agingdoc1 · X

Jul 10, 2021 · 4 likes · 42,472 followers View post →