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Cant remember where I found this,but great info.
AAS and Blood PressureAfter a few conversations about cycles and how various compounds can affect BP, I wanted to wrap my mind completely around the topic. Because AAS is such a controlled group of substances, scientific studies are not readily available to us. I spent a lil time digging in the textbooks and online and I was able to compile a few facts to explain the physiological effects of AAS in regards to blood pressure.
Some medical texts suggest that the blood pressure response to AAS is due to sodium-retention properties. The high doses of AAS will inhibit a particular enzyme (hydroxylase), which in turn leads to increased levels of a corticosteroid that inevitably causes sodium and water retention. Further adding to this is the fact that sodium is hydrophilic – meaning it loves water. When sodium moves in the body, water follows. Because the excessive sodium subsequently adds more water to the blood, the volume of liquids and solutes in the blood stream consequently yields increased pressure. Kind of like opening the faucet valve wide open on a garden hose – the more water entering that hose, the greater the pressure.
A newer study suggests another reason for elevated BP. In this study researchers studied the effects of AAS on the release of sympathetic hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones cause contractions of the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, and chronically elevated levels can cause elevated BP due to tightened blood vessels.
The final factor worth considering is that of cholesterol. It is a fact that some compounds cause increases in LDL levels (bad cholesterol) and decreases in HDL levels (good cholesterol). LDLs have been directly linked to hypertension, whereas HDLs have been proven to lower BP and reduces the risks. Persons with higher body fat percentages are at an even greater risk.
So, now the question may arise as to how to counter these effects. Some may say that a diuretic will keep the water off, so just add that to the cycle. Thing about diuretics is that they cause the body to excrete not only fluids but other minerals and electrolytes as well. This leads to imbalances and a host of adverse effects. Maintaining a fluid balance is the best defense against these adverse effects. Do not use diuretics unless you know what you’re doing.
As for the sympathetic hormones activities, nitric oxide supplements can aide in counteracting them, but only to a short-lived extent. Once again, balance is key – good diet, proper exercise, flexibility, and appropriate recovery. Resistance, aerobic, and flexibility exercises will all increase blood flow to the muscles, which will help counteract the sympathetic hormones’ activity.
Cholesterol… Higher body fat will increase the levels of LDL on its own. Focusing on lowering that body fat to a safe range prior to the use of AAS will be extremely beneficial. Outside of this, certain aspects of the diet can affect cholesterol levels in a positive way. Fiber has been shown to lower LDLs and increase HDLs. Likewise, regular exercise has been shown to increase HDL levels. Once again, balance is key.
AAS and Blood PressureAfter a few conversations about cycles and how various compounds can affect BP, I wanted to wrap my mind completely around the topic. Because AAS is such a controlled group of substances, scientific studies are not readily available to us. I spent a lil time digging in the textbooks and online and I was able to compile a few facts to explain the physiological effects of AAS in regards to blood pressure.
Some medical texts suggest that the blood pressure response to AAS is due to sodium-retention properties. The high doses of AAS will inhibit a particular enzyme (hydroxylase), which in turn leads to increased levels of a corticosteroid that inevitably causes sodium and water retention. Further adding to this is the fact that sodium is hydrophilic – meaning it loves water. When sodium moves in the body, water follows. Because the excessive sodium subsequently adds more water to the blood, the volume of liquids and solutes in the blood stream consequently yields increased pressure. Kind of like opening the faucet valve wide open on a garden hose – the more water entering that hose, the greater the pressure.
A newer study suggests another reason for elevated BP. In this study researchers studied the effects of AAS on the release of sympathetic hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones cause contractions of the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, and chronically elevated levels can cause elevated BP due to tightened blood vessels.
The final factor worth considering is that of cholesterol. It is a fact that some compounds cause increases in LDL levels (bad cholesterol) and decreases in HDL levels (good cholesterol). LDLs have been directly linked to hypertension, whereas HDLs have been proven to lower BP and reduces the risks. Persons with higher body fat percentages are at an even greater risk.
So, now the question may arise as to how to counter these effects. Some may say that a diuretic will keep the water off, so just add that to the cycle. Thing about diuretics is that they cause the body to excrete not only fluids but other minerals and electrolytes as well. This leads to imbalances and a host of adverse effects. Maintaining a fluid balance is the best defense against these adverse effects. Do not use diuretics unless you know what you’re doing.
As for the sympathetic hormones activities, nitric oxide supplements can aide in counteracting them, but only to a short-lived extent. Once again, balance is key – good diet, proper exercise, flexibility, and appropriate recovery. Resistance, aerobic, and flexibility exercises will all increase blood flow to the muscles, which will help counteract the sympathetic hormones’ activity.
Cholesterol… Higher body fat will increase the levels of LDL on its own. Focusing on lowering that body fat to a safe range prior to the use of AAS will be extremely beneficial. Outside of this, certain aspects of the diet can affect cholesterol levels in a positive way. Fiber has been shown to lower LDLs and increase HDLs. Likewise, regular exercise has been shown to increase HDL levels. Once again, balance is key.