Author Response

Authors’ Response

Authors: John P. Higgins MD, MPhil, Alireza Heshmat, MD, Christopher L. Higgins, BHMS, (ExSc)

Abstract

To the Editor


We thank Ahmed and colleagues for their thoughtful letter. The effect of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on QT interval is a controversial area; therefore, both we and Ahmed and colleagues may be correct.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Higgins JP, Heshmat A, Higgins CL. Androgen abuse and increased cardiac risk. South Med J 2012; 105: 670–674.
 
2. Tucci P, Morgese MG, Colaianna M, et al. Neurochemical consequence of steroid abuse: stanozolol-induced monoaminergic changes. Steroids 2012; 77: 269–275.
 
3. Zhang Y, Ouyang P, Post WS, et al. Sex-steroid hormones and electrocardiographic QT-interval duration: findings from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Am J Epidemiol 2011; 174: 403–411.
 
4. Maior AS, Carvalho AR, Marques-Neto SR, et al. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in anabolic steroid users. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2012 Jan 18. [Epub ahead of print].
 
5. Maior AS, Menezes P, Pedrosa RC, et al. Abnormal cardiac repolarization in anabolic androgenic steroid users carrying out submaximal exercise testing. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2010; 37: 1129–1133.
 
6. Koivisto AP. Testosterone shortens QT interval on ECG in both genders and may underlie lower incidence of torsades de pointes in males. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2006; 188: 151.
 
7. Sculthorpe N, Grace F, Jones P, et al. Evidence of altered cardiac electrophysiology following prolonged androgenic anabolic steroid use. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2010; 10: 239–243.
 
8. Rottlaender D, Motloch LJ, Reda S, et al. Cardiac arrest due to long QT syndrome associated with excessive consumption of energy drinks. Int J Cardiol 2012; 158: e51–e52.
 
9. Higgins JP, Tuttle TD, Higgins CL. Energy beverages: content and safety. Mayo Clin Proc 2010; 85: 1033–1041.