No abstract

SUMMARY Widespread use of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is a rapidly increasing public health concern with an expanding demographic. Previous studies and reports have been exclusive to young individuals at low risk for traditional, non-AAS associated, cardiovascular disease. To-date, the impact of AAS use on older patients has not been well characterized. The patient herein presented documents a dramatic case of an older individual who developed decompensated heart failure secondary to illicit use of AAS, highlighting an evolving problem amongst a rapidly expanding demographic and illustrating that a.) AAS, used to alter appearance or augment performance, is no longer an issue confined to young adults; b.) Older individuals with aging myocardium may be particularly susceptible to AAS toxicity and may present with fulminate congestive heart failure; and that c.) AAS abstinence coupled with traditional heart failure pharmacotherapy may be an effective treatment for this condition.