Response to Anabolic Steroid Use

Anabolic steroids are synthetic chemicals that resemble testosterone athletes use to build muscle mass and decrease body fat. Doctors prescribe these medications to individuals with conditions such as anemia and chronic inflammation. However, athletes use them illegally to boost physical performance. Steroid use without a doctor’s prescription is illegal. Long-term use of these substances predisposes individuals to catastrophic health consequences. For instance, an individual might develop kidney disorders leading to kidney failure. Steroids also damage the liver and might cause hepatic cancer. The cardiovascular implications of steroid use include an enlarged heart, increased blood cholesterol levels, and elevated blood pressure. These cardiovascular effects augment a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke.