World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) list of prohibited substances and methods and their cardiovascular effects

Abstract

The abuse of doping substances is prevalent in sports and in society at large. Doping substances are also present in a substantial fraction of nutritional supplements. They can cause severe side effects. This chapter is focused on cardiovascular side effects. Androgenic anabolic steroids can induce left ventricular hypertrophy, heart fibrosis, and systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and has been associated with dyslipidaemia, endothelial dysfunction, and coronary artery disease. Beta-2 agonists can induce chronotropic and inotropic effects, QT prolongation, palpitations, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Erythropoietin can induce hypertension and embolism. Use of banned substances and methods in sports, i.e. doping, is prohibited, unethical, and dangerous. Research efforts in sports sciences and sports medicine are needed to prevent and treat doping abuse and to help athletes be successful without the need for doping.