How to manage high blood pressure when using steroids

Author: Yuri Klimishin - an iron enthusiast and veteran of the "chemical" front.
2015-06-06

Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

I will explain the reasons for hypertension (increased blood pressure) in users of AAS (anabolic androgenic steroids), as well as suggest preventive measures and ways to combat this phenomenon.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

The more muscle we gain, the more blood our body starts to produce. Additionally, regular systematic engagement in medium and high-intensity anaerobic and aerobic exercises inevitably leads to an increase in the left ventricle of the heart. The term athlete's heart signifies this. Interestingly, after abruptly stopping exercise, this enlarged heart often starts to malfunction, as demonstrated in the personal experience of the great and terrible Nikolai Yasinovsky. So, if you have spent several years on serious training with weights, it is better to continue doing so consistently. Otherwise, a heart attack may occur.

Thus, an enlarged heart and increased blood volume inevitably lead to blood pressure that significantly differs from medical norms in an athlete. Generally speaking, a measurement of 140/90 can be considered normal for most bodybuilders/strength athletes. Anything above that is extremely concerning. Consequently, if you regularly experience any of the following symptoms, whether on a doping cycle or not, you need to take immediate action. Symptoms indicating hypertension include:

• Throbbing pain in the neck
• Increased heart rate at rest
• “Floaters” and colorful circles in front of your eyes
• Tinnitus
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath

Note that in young individuals (under 30), hypertension may occur without any symptoms. Therefore, make it a rule to measure your blood pressure WEEKLY, regardless of whether you use doping or not. An additional piece of advice: excessive protein intake, especially when carbohydrate intake is low, makes our blood VERY thick. The thicker the blood, the higher the pressure. The heart has to work in a state of increased activity. Drink plenty of water.

Why Do Steroids Raise Blood Pressure?

There are three main reasons.

1. Increased blood volume during a cycle. The fact is that nearly all drugs in the AAS class provoke the increased production of red blood cells (erythrocytes). On one hand, this is great for athletic performance. Unfortunately, an excess of any blood components in its plasma inevitably leads to thicker blood. Testosterone, nandrolone, boldenone, fluoxymesterone, and especially oxymetholone are the main drugs that significantly contribute to active blood formation.

2. The ability of some steroids to shift levels of good and bad cholesterol in favor of the latter. An elevated LDL level inevitably stimulates the formation of cholesterol plaques on the vessel walls. When these plaques accumulate significantly, our heart begins to move toward a heart attack. This was the reason behind the death of the well-known bodybuilder Mike Matarazzo. Notably, stanozolol and everyone's favorite methandienone are particularly culpable here. Although, almost all testosterone-based products are implicated in this issue.

You should AVOID: Boldenone, Methenolone Enanthate, Turinabol, Oxandrolone, and all derivatives of DHT (Stanozolol, Mesterolone, Drostanolone).

3. Excessive Fluid Retention

This occurs with the use of aromatizing drugs that have estrogenic activity. Such drugs include: testosterone, Methandienone, Methyltestosterone, and Oxymetholone. Interestingly, Trenbolone does not seem to retain water or increase blood volume, and it does not have a significant effect on cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure during its use are normal. Truly a mysterious steroid.

How to Combat This?

To combat the excess fluid retention caused by testosterone, methyltestosterone, and Methandienone, Aromatase Inhibitors will help. Just keep in mind that overusing them can also lead to cholesterol problems.

As for Oxymetholone, the solution here includes Estrogen Receptor Blockers: Clomiphene, Tamoxifen, and Toremifene.

The other two issues cannot be solved so easily. So what should be done? The most important aspect is prevention. The first thing to mention is diet. The only thing I would highlight is unsaturated fatty acids. In my opinion, the best source is good old fish oil.

Next, regarding medications. Here are those that have proven effective in my practice: Mildronate, Inosie-F, Cardiomagnyl. Take them in the recommended doses by the manufacturer. The latter should be combined with one of the first two. This duo during your cycle will significantly help your heart and blood vessels remain in good and healthy condition.

If you are doing everything correctly, yet your blood pressure still rises, then drastic measures are required. I’m now talking about antihypertensive medications (drugs that lower blood pressure). In fact, there are many such drugs, but those I mention now are the absolute leaders.

The first and best is Physiotens (active chemical substance - Moxonidine). It helps even in cases where all others have failed. It has two bonuses. It increases muscle cell sensitivity to insulin and, when taken before bedtime, promotes the increased production of natural growth hormone. Therefore, I recommend taking the entire daily dose (0.4 mg) one hour before bedtime. This will not only increase somatotropin levels but also help avoid daytime drowsiness (a side effect). The only downside is the high price.

The second on the list is Kapoten (active chemical substance - Captopril). It is much more affordable. Moreover, it can selectively lower diastolic blood pressure. This means it protects the heart during heavy weight exercises. It contains a relatively mild diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, which helps with the “gentle” removal of excess fluid from the body. The daily dosage is usually split into two doses of 25 mg each. In the morning and evening. Again, I would advise combining these two doses into one, taking two tablets one hour before sleep. This will help avoid that same drowsiness during the day. Side effects include nausea and negative effects on the liver.

Lastly, there is the notorious Clonidine (active chemical substance - Clonidine). I strongly recommend not to overuse this medication and prefer one of the aforementioned options. It lowers blood pressure too significantly, leading to catastrophic feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. Additionally, it can significantly raise estradiol levels in the male body. There is a theory about its ability to raise endogenous growth hormone levels. But is it worth it at such a cost? Nonetheless, having a strip of Clonidine may not be a bad idea. It can save you from a heart attack or stroke in case your blood pressure suddenly spikes and becomes EXTREMELY high. Two tablets of 15 mg will suffice. Also, I have heard that in Russia it is available in doses of 15 mg and 75 mg in a single tablet. I URGENTLY recommend avoiding the latter variant.

In conclusion, I would like to add my personal thoughts. It’s not worth taking steroids if they raise your blood pressure. It’s better to be a natural athlete and live a healthy life. In my opinion, problems with hypertension are the most dangerous when using pharmacology. And finally, never exceed dosages of growth hormone over 10 IU per day. At high doses, this wonderful substance contributes to heart growth. And there’s nothing you can do about it. Stay healthy.