Effect of oxymetholone on left ventricular dimensions in heart failure secondary to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy or to mitral or aortic regurgitation.

This study suggests that the short-term administration of a small dosage of anabolic steroids may have a beneficial effect on the deteriorated myocardium, although long-standing exposure to a larger dosage of anabolic steroids may induce myocardial and systemic complications.