Just 2 weeks into 2018, the world of bodybuilding was shocked by the news of the death of one of its celebrity bodybuilders. The celebrity suddenly collapsed while having his routine haircut. Another celebrity bodybuilder died in 2014 after suffering a massive heart attack because of prolonged use of anabolic steroids. A lot of folks are quizzed by the deaths of these so-called ‘experts’ in bodybuilding, succumbing to the ill effects of anabolic steroids. These are celebrities so it’s understandable they get published in the front page. But how about the countless others who may have died that have not been reported as anabolic steroid-related deaths? How exactly do steroids cause death?
What are anabolic steroids?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic chemicals that resemble the chemical structure and physiologic effects of naturally occurring testosterone in the human body. While these are primarily used in enhancing overall physical performance by leveraging on the powerful effects of testosterone in promoting improved protein synthesis in muscle cells, they also have other physiologic effects that, in the long run, can be detrimental to overall health and well-being.
Why are they dangerous?
Anabolic steroids, when used conscientiously, are actually beneficial. These are often used in medicine to treat a variety of conditions including aplastic anemia, growth failure, and osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. It is also used in chronic wasting conditions such as those seen in patients with AIDS and cancer.
So what makes them dangerous?
Most performance bodybuilders and athletes are not content on using a single anabolic steroid preparation alone. Often, this is combined with other similar products to help potentiate its performance-boosting effects. Some would also adhere to cycles to help increase the overall effects of steroids.
Unfortunately, this is where the problem lies. Because the body’s natural production of testosterone has been effectively replaced by synthetic substances, the organs responsible for testosterone production no longer function optimally. The sadder thing is that the body is not really equipped to handle synthetic steroids for sufficiently long periods of time. Something will have to give along the way.
What exactly makes them fatal?
There are many reasons why chronic use of anabolic steroids can be fatal. Since the body is not designed to handle such synthetic chemicals for prolonged periods, certain body organ systems get adversely affected. Aside from issues in the endocrine and musculoskeletal systems as well as problems in the skin, liver, and immune system, not to mention psychiatric effects, chronic steroid use has been associated with stroke and heart attack even in able-bodied athletes not older than 30 years.
The main issue is the effect of steroids on the levels of circulating lipoproteins, increasing both LDL and total cholesterol while lowering HDL cholesterol. This favors the formation of fatty deposits inside blood vessels, narrowing the diameter, and severely impeding blood flow distal to the obstruction. This is what can lead to fatal heart attacks or even debilitating strokes. Another effect is its ability to increase the risk of blood clot formation, again leading to substantial obstruction in blood flow.
Steroids can help you feel strong and perform well. Unfortunately, with prolonged use, it may also cost you your life. For a safe alternative without the side effects, check out the full legal steroid range from Flexx Labs.
