The Heart Risk That Lingers (Even Years Later)
Picture this: You’re in your doctor’s office, reviewing your latest heart health results.
Maybe you’ve always thought you were doing enough—staying active, eating well, and staying on top of your medications. But what if choices made years ago are still affecting your heart today?
For many seniors, understanding past health decisions—like the use of anabolic steroids—is a key part of protecting their future.
Whether you or someone you know used steroids to build strength, enhance recovery, or even for cosmetic reasons, new research highlights a sobering truth: The damage they cause may linger long after you’ve stopped using them.
A recent study from Copenhagen University Hospital reveals that men who’ve used anabolic steroids—even years ago—may have lasting impairments in their heart’s microvascular function, which refers to the small blood vessels responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
The study, which included 90 recreational strength trainers, found that both current and former steroid users had significantly lower myocardial flow reserve (MFR) compared to those who never used steroids.
This means…
- Impaired MFR is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
- Even after stopping steroid use for over a year, participants had lingering signs of coronary microvascular dysfunction.
- The longer someone used steroids, the greater the risk of persistent damage.
The study assessed heart function using advanced cardiac imaging and discovered:
- Impaired MFR was found in:
- 18.8% of current steroid users
- 3.2% of former users
- 0% of non-users
- Subclinically impaired MFR affected:
- 28.1% of current users
- 25.8% of former users
- Only 3.7% of non-users
- Duration Matters: Each doubling of the time spent using steroids increased the risk of heart damage by 2.1 times.
The study’s authors warn that even young men who use anabolic steroids may develop heart issues early on and carry those risks into later life.
If you or a loved one has a history of steroid use, there are steps you can take to support heart health.
First, have an open conversation with your doctor. Be sure to mention any past steroid use, even if it’s been years.
A complete health history is essential for your doctor to accurately assess your risk.
Next, ask about specific imaging tests, such as a cardiac PET-CT, which can help detect coronary microvascular dysfunction. These tests can provide a clearer picture of your heart health.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is also critical. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Regular, moderate physical activity can make a significant difference, and it’s equally important to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Finally, keep a close eye on your heart health over time. Regular checkups and routine blood tests can help catch potential issues early and guide necessary treatments. By taking these proactive steps, you can better protect your heart and overall health.
Steroid use might seem like a thing of the past, but its effects could be lingering beneath the surface, especially when it comes to your heart.
The good news is that with awareness, proactive testing, and lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risks and strengthen your heart for the years ahead.
Your heart health is worth protecting—no matter where you’ve been or how long ago it was.
To protecting your heart at all costs,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
Sources:
Bhattacharya, E. S. (2024, December 18). Blood Flow to Heart Stays Low Years After Steroid Cessation. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/blood-flow-heart-stays-low-years-after-steroid-cessation-2024a1000ngn
