Heightend media exposure....

[MdTNT]

In recent months there have been a number of events including the deaths of severl bodybuilders from health factors that are often asociated to AAS. What are every ones opinions about this and how cna it be justified that dying from a massive heart attack ahve no relation to AAS use or from liver or kidney failure when it is widely known that AAS usde causes major malfunctions in these areas. Just looking for soem other opinions.
Just for some background I will reference a top notch BB'r from my generation who has recently passed that msot of teh older guys are familiar with...Don Youngblood. He was a good guy all around and died way to early. Lets hear those opinions....Md

 

[crank]

how can it be justified that dying from a massive heart attack has no relation to AAS use

I don't think it can be justified.

We all know, or at least should know that there are risks associated with taking anabolics.

The Oak had to have quadruple bypass surgeory didn't he?

Gear enlarges the heart and it simply cannot perform it's function properly in an enlarged state.

There are many other risks involved but this is one of the bigger ones.

It's sad to hear stories like this but they'll never go away. Even if everyone quit using steroids there would still be un-needed deaths.

Smoking. How many people does it kill every year? Every single smoker knows the dangers and knows it's extremely bad for their health with absolutley ZERO benefit and they still do it.

At least with gear you are getting some health benefits and trying to do something positive for your body. I suppose that could be one way to kind of sort of justify it.

 

[finephysique]

I thin abuse of any substance will lead to health problems, abuse of fast food is a much bigger killer than abuse of AS. Don Youngblood was always rumoured to be using megadoses and perhaps the rumours were true. I use doses of no more than 2000 mg total per week when on and get tested regularly and my kidney and liver values have improved dramatically as I continue to train, eat right and use GH and IGF so I honestly believe they have some health benefits if used sensibly.
Arnies father had major heart problems and as such he has always said it was hereditary.
There are a lot of people dying from similar conditions who lead a natural healthy lifestyle I fully believe that our genetic make-up is the main factor in deciding when we die.
I know a guy who rarely comes off gear and uses rec drugs and drinks alcohol to excess and he is perfectly healthy. He always says that if he is destined to be shot he is not going to get knocked down by a car i.e. he believes totally in fate.

Sorry for rambling on a bit so much to say and so little time.

 

[Pumped78]

THe key words are usage and abuse i think the ppl mentioned who died or had health problems abused themselves too much for too long. Now usage IMO is done in moderation and anything done in moderation to me anyway shouldnt hold any severe future repercussions.

 

[doctorwill]

Zylo has a great point with smoking. We need to put everything in context and realize that the risks of AAS use are much less than other - very much accepted - lifestyle choices.

If you watch what you do and don't go overboard, and if you get bloodwork done regularly, that should dramatically reduce the risks. I get my liver and blood lipids tested every couple of months and it is reassuring to know that my liver is doing fine and my lipid level is no worse that it was before.

I like to think that when I am focussed on my health and take responsibilty for myself, I end up in better shape. I make sure I get enough cardio for my heart, I watch my BP and lipid levels (and take meds for my lipid levels), and generally try to eat well (though it can be a challenge when trying to bulk up). And I only have a drink every now and then for special occassions (and hell, if you are just drinking one drink, why even have that??)

Of course it is also easy to fuck up so it is very helpful to get feedback from other folks on the board and others.

These articles appear because they sell papers, and because at some sick level, most folks like to see bug guys fall - whether they are drunken actors or rock stars, jocks or politicians. And did I say it sells papers?