The Heart And Doping

Doping is becoming an everyday problem in sports medicine. Its main feature is its Universality: it concerns all sports, even the most unexpected, from cycling to billiards; all countries are affected with certain continental preferences with regards to the substances used; it is seen in all levels of competition, both in amateurs and professionals. Doping is observed early on, even in childhood.Many substances are used and they are increasingly available: all bodily functions are targeted: cerebral, metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, haematological and, in the near future, genetic. Detection of doping is difficult and unpredictable in a legislative environment which is gradually improving. The different modes of action of the doping substances often target the cardiovascular system, especially with regards to their potential complications: hypertension, arrhythmias, thrombosis, coronary artery and peripheral artery diseases and also cardiomyopathies.Every cardiologist should therefore be aware of the problem, even outside the context of sport, as it may impact on daily cardiological practice.