Devastating impact of performance-enhancing drugs: a case of severe heart failure in a young bodybuilder with bodydysmo rphic disorder
Abstract
A 24-year-old male bodybuilder presented with cardiac symptoms following long-term performance-enhancing drug (PED) use. He was diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and body dysmorphic disorder. Treatment included cardiac medical therapy and psychiatric support. After PED discontinuation and ongoing psychological care, symptoms improved and relapse was prevented. This case highlights the potential severe cardiovascular consequences of PED abuse in young, healthy individuals. It emphasises the importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary intervention addressing both physical and psychological aspects, and increased awareness about PED risks, particularly among those with body image disorders.
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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