Cardiac Transplantation After Myocardial Infarction in a 24-Year-Old Bodybuilder Using Anabolic Steroids

The use of anabolic steroids by competitive and recreational athletes appears to be widespread. The use of these drugs may constitute a significant health hazard with both short- and long-term effects. This case report describes tragic complications in a 24-year-old bodybuilder who suffered a myocardial infarction while taking anabolic steroids. This infarct, complicated by end-stage cardiac failure, required orthotopic cardiac transplantation. Early atherosclerosis, acute coronary thrombosis, and a hypercoagulable state may have been directly related to this young man's anabolic steroid use.