Zuliani, U., Bernardini, B., Catapano, A., Campana, M., Cerioli, G., & Spattini, M. (1989). Effects of anabolic steroids, testosterone, and HGH on blood lipids and echocardigraphic parameters in body builders. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 10, 62-66.

Male body builders were evaluated for cardiovascular effects induced by the self-administration of human growth hormone (HGH) alone, or combined with testosterone and anabolic steroids. A control group (N = 8) did not use any substance, an experimental group (N = 6) self-administered testosterone, anabolic steroids, and HGH for six weeks in various dosages, and one S administered HGH alone.

Hormonal administrations did not modify principal echocardiographic parameters, remaining similar to those in the exercise-only group. Generally, the administration of substances together produces effects similar to those derived from separate administration, in particular, a decrease of serun HDL-chol and apo A-1. This metabolic condition enhances coronary risks.

Implication. There are no special interactive effects of HGH and anabolic steroids on blood or cardiac characteristics.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.