Cardiovascular effects of doping substances, medicines and ergogenic supplements in relation to sports

The benefits of physical activity on health are undoubted and indisputable. However, certain sports have been covered by a blanket of suspicion due to the use of ergogenic substances that overshadow and call into question sporting merits and talent. The ease to obtain them and industrial marketing have made this a business of intangible magnitude for the common people. With the aim of improving performance, increasing muscle mass or losing weight, these substances are used, the effects of which are not always proven and can be harmful to health. Elite athletes, amateurs and even more young non-athletes misuse them, due to lack of knowledge, lack of professional support and being easily obtained in the market. In this review, the effects of the most used substances in sports practice will be summarized, emphasizing the impact at cardiovascular level.