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Anabolic Steroid-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Meaning

Anabolic Steroid-Induced Cardiomyopathy is a serious, potentially life-threatening cardiac condition characterized by structural and functional impairment of the heart muscle directly resulting from the chronic, non-therapeutic use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). This form of cardiomyopathy typically presents clinically as ventricular hypertrophy, impaired diastolic function, and reduced systolic efficiency. Clinical recognition is paramount due to the insidious and progressive nature of the myocardial damage that can lead to heart failure.