title: ESC study group of sports cardiology position paper on adverse cardiovascular effects of doping in athletes.
abstract: The use of doping substances and methods is extensive not only among elite athletes, but also among amateur and recreational athletes. Many types of drugs are used by athletes to enhance performance, to reduce anxiety, to increase muscle mass, to reduce weight or to mask the use of other drugs during testing. However, the abuse of doping substances and methods has been associated with the occurrence of numerous health side-effects. The adverse effects depend on the type of the consumed drug, as well as the amount and duration of intake and the sensitivity of the body, since there is a large inter-individual variability in responses to a drug. Usually the doses used in sports are much higher than those used for therapeutic purposes and the use of several drugs in combination is frequent, leading to higher risk of side-effects. Among biomedical side-effects of doping, the cardiovascular ones are the most deleterious. Myocardial infarction, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, thrombosis, arrythmogenesis, heart failure and sudden cardiac death have been noted following drug abuse. This paper reviews the literature on the adverse cardiovascular effects after abuse of prohibited substances and methods in athletes, aiming to inform physicians, trainers and athletes and to discourage individuals from using drugs during sports.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Sports Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece. stergios@ med.auth.gr
authors.forename: Asterios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Deligiannis
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Björnstad
authors.forename: Francois
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Carre
authors.forename: Hein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Heidbüchel
authors.forename: Evangelia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kouidi
authors.forename: Nicole M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Panhuyzen-Goedkoop
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pigozzi
authors.forename: Wilhelm
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schänzer
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vanhees
mesh_terms: D018663:Adrenergic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D004300:Doping in Sports / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005060:Europe; D006728:Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D018663:Adrenergic Agents; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D045930:Anabolic Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D006728:Hormones; D009294:Narcotics