A new long-term study from Denmark has confirmed a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease in anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) users. Researchers found that men sanctioned for AAS use in fitness centers exhibited higher rates of heart-related conditions compared to the general population. The findings, published in Circulation, underscore the persistent health consequences of steroid use.
The study analyzed data from 1,189 men sanctioned for AAS use between 2006 and 2018, comparing them to 59,450 age-matched men from the general Danish population. Over an average follow-up period of 11 years, AAS users experienced a significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular events, including:
Notably, the study did not track whether individuals continued steroid use after being sanctioned, nor did it specify dosage or type of AAS used.
While the dangers of steroid use are well known, this study adds significant long-term epidemiological evidence linking AAS use to cardiovascular disease. Given the widespread use of AAS, these findings highlight the need for further public health awareness of its cardiovascular risks.
The study indicates that cardiovascular risks persist over time, emphasizing the importance of early prevention. As AAS use continues despite known risks, these findings reinforce the importance of recognizing its long-term cardiovascular impact.
Josefine Windfeld-Mathiasen et al, Cardiovascular Disease in Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users, Circulation (2025). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.071117