Blood Pressure & Lipid Management

Anabolic steroid use, especially at supraphysiological doses, can significantly impact cardiovascular health. The two most common issues include:

Left unmanaged, these side effects increase the risk of heart disease, arterial plaque buildup, and long-term organ damage.

Causes of Cardiovascular Strain

Steroids can negatively affect heart health through several mechanisms:

Estrogen suppression (via AIs) → impaired vasodilation
Increased red blood cell count (hematocrit) → thicker blood
Water retention (especially with aromatizing compounds) → increased blood volume
Hepatotoxic oral AAS → suppressed HDL cholesterol
Stimulants (clenbuterol, pre-workouts) → increased heart rate and BP

High-risk compounds include:

High blood pressure is common among AAS users, especially during cycles that include:

Common symptoms:

Blood pressure should always be monitored during cycle. Use a home cuff (arm > wrist), preferably in the morning.

Intervention	Dose	Notes
Hawthorn Berry	500–1,000 mg/day	Herbal support; mild effect
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)	100–200 mg/day	Antioxidant; supports heart health
Taurine	2,000–5,000 mg/day	Reduces AAS-related back/calf pumps; may lower BP
Magnesium (Citrate/Glycinate)	200–400 mg/day	Vasodilator and electrolyte balance
Telmisartan (Rx)	20–40 mg/day	Preferred angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for AAS users
Amlodipine (Rx)	2.5–5 mg/day	Calcium channel blocker; backup option
Cialis (Tadalafil)	2.5–5 mg/day	Off-label use; improves blood flow and BP

Oral steroids and AI use are notorious for crushing HDL and raising LDL. This effect is especially pronounced with:

Strategies to protect lipids:

Supplement	Dose	Effect
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)	2–4g combined EPA/DHA	Improves HDL, lowers triglycerides
Citrus Bergamot	500–1,000 mg/day	Lowers LDL and improves HDL
Niacin (Flush)	500–1,000 mg/day	Raises HDL; may cause flushing
Soluble Fiber (Psyllium)	5–10g/day	Lowers LDL
Plant Sterols	1–2g/day	Block cholesterol absorption
Red Yeast Rice	600–1,200 mg/day	Natural statin; lowers LDL (use with CoQ10)

Track the following markers regularly:

Tip: Donate blood if hematocrit >52% to reduce blood viscosity and cardiovascular strain.

“Tren made my BP skyrocket until I added Telmisartan.”
“Fish oil and bergamot kept my HDL in range even on Var and Mast.”
“Arimidex tanked my HDL. Switched to Aromasin—much better.”
“Get a BP cuff. It’s literally lifesaving. I ignored mine and ended up in the ER.”

Steroids disrupt cardiovascular markers, especially blood pressure and cholesterol
Monitor BP and lipid panels regularly
Use Telmisartan or Taurine for blood pressure management
Support lipids with fish oil, citrus bergamot, fiber, and niacin
Avoid extended oral cycles and harsh AI protocols
Keep hematocrit in check with blood donation if needed

Your physique is only worth having if your heart can keep beating. Cardiovascular protection is essential—not optional—for long-term PED use.