AAS abuse can lead to which cardiovascular conditions?

• A. Hypertension with minimal risk
• B. Improved vascular health
• C. Cardiomyopathy and atherosclerotic vascular disease
• D. No cardiovascular effects

Answer: (C)

Abuse of anabolic‑androgenic steroids harms the cardiovascular system by altering lipid profiles, raising blood pressure, and causing direct effects on the heart muscle. These changes can lead to cardiomyopathy, where the heart’s pumping ability weakens, and to accelerated atherosclerotic vascular disease, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. In practice, AAS use can drive left ventricular hypertrophy and remodeling, arrhythmias, and even sudden cardiac death, especially at high doses. The other statements aren’t supported: AAS tends to raise cardiovascular risk rather than being limited to minimal risk, they do not improve vascular health, and there are clear cardiovascular effects rather than none.