Bulking up with anabolic steroids could lead to damage and weakening of the heart, as per a study. The study, however, was able to find only signs of heart failure, and not heart failure itself.

It was remarked by Dr. Harrison G. Pope of Harvard University, who worked on the new study, published in the journal Circulation that the complete magnitude of the problem may go unnoticed until after 20-30 years of steroid use.

From Reutershealth.com:

In addition to boosting muscle growth, anabolic steroids – which mimic testosterone, the male sexual hormone – also affect the brain in unpredictable ways: In some people, they produce aggression, in others depression.

With prolonged use, steroids also limit natural testosterone production in the testicles, which can make men more feminine.

While law enforcement has cracked down on illegal production of steroids in the U.S., the drugs are sold over-the-counter in some countries and can be purchased easily on the internet.

Pope, himself a psychiatrist, said the behavioral effects are worrisome, but that his biggest concern is the heart. Heart failure is already a major killer in developed nations. How much steroids will be adding to that death toll is still unclear.

“It is very hard for the (Drug Enforcement Administration) to intercept this stuff, it just pours into the country,” said Pope. “We need to get more data and we need it fast.”

Pope also said that more and more individuals are making use of steroids than before and the world may just be noticing the start of something that may prove to be a huge public health problem.