Doping and health

The classes of the prohibited list, the effect each is used for and what it does to the body.

The outline, topic by topic

Each topic is weighted the way the exam weighs it.

Anabolic agents (S1): what is it?
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Testosterone-derived substances that increase muscle mass.
Mostly testosterone-derived steroids, but also other agents such as clenbuterol. Risks: liver, heart, infertility, mood disorders.
An asthmatic swimmer needs a medicine on the list. What must the swimmer do?
- Apply for a therapeutic use exemption
- Take it and declare it afterwards
- Stop competing
- Take it only out of competition
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Apply for a therapeutic use exemption
Many inhalers (salbutamol within the permitted doses) need none; for a prohibited medicine, the exemption protects both the treated athlete and fairness.
Peptide hormones (S2): what is it?
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Hormones such as EPO or growth hormone; EPO raises red blood cells.
Thickened blood favours clots and heart attacks.
Why can EPO be fatal?
- It destroys the heart's muscle fibres
- Too many red cells thicken the blood and favour clots
- It paralyses the breathing muscles during exercise
- It drops heart rate to zero
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Too many red cells thicken the blood and favour clots
Over-thick blood flows poorly, especially at night and when dehydrated.