Palatini P, Giada F, garavelli F, Sinisi F, Mario L,
Michieletto M
Effect of large doses of anabolic steroids on the diurnal blood
pressure profile
11th Scientific Meeting, American Society of Hypertension
Am J Hypert
(Apr) 9:5A 1996
With the common use of anabolic steroids by body builders, the cardiovascular
safety of these drugs
is a matter of concern. Palatini et al measured 24 h BP levels in 10 body
builders using anabolic
steroids (AS) and in 14 controls, both at the end of a cycle of AS and after
an 11 week period of
withdrawal. Whereas 24 hour BPs were similar, the nocturnal systolic BPs
were higher in the group
taking AS. In particular, the mean nocturnal reduction in systolic BP was
only -9 mm Hg in the AS
group vs. -17 mm Hg in controls. All of the patients had echos, and the
interventricular (IV)
septum was thicker in AS users vs. controls, and the day-night BP difference
correlated with IV
septal thickness.
Comment: In many conditions with LVH, there is a decrease in the
amount of nocturnal decline
in blood pressure. As LVH has an increased mortality, this should be a
matter of concern to persons
using anabolic steroids.
(John T. Daugirdas, M.D., University of Illinois at Chicago)
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11th Scientific Meeting, American Society of Hypertension
H: Special problems :
Endocrine hypertension