Cardiovascular effects of doping

Cardiovascular effects of doping drugs are numerous, with different mechanisms: vasoconstriction of amphetamines, erythropoietin and cocaine; sodium water retention of anabolic steroids and corticosteroids; elevation in blood viscosity of erythropoietin, perflurocarbon emulsion, recombinant hemoglobin and anabolic steroids; sympathetic nervous system activation of amphetamines, beta 2 agonists and clenbuterol; lipids profile disorder of anabolic steroids. Physical activity consequences, particularly bradycardia and dehydration, are worsening. Thrombosis and arrythmogenic effects, with possibility of sudden death, are the severe immediate events. Hypertension and coronary diseases are medium-term effects; acute myocardial infarction is frequent. Heart failure can be secondary to cardiac muscle direct fibrosis, like with anabolic steroids. These cardiovascular effects are serious and it is necessary to early detect the doping drugs use in sporstmen; all prescribing physician should be aware of existing drugs and their clinical events.