In 2012, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency released a shocking report, alleging that legendary cyclist and seven-time winner of the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong, engaged in doping throughout the majority of his career. After vehemently denying the allegations, Armstrong admitted to years of blood doping in January 2013 during a shocking interview with Oprah Winfrey.
ER physician Dr. Travis Stork explains the different types of blood doping and how they can enhance endurance and optimize oxygen utilization through overstimulation of red blood cell production.
“Blood doping, in and of itself, is dangerous, regardless of what your opinion is in terms of the ethics of it,” Dr. Travis says.
Dangerous Side Effects of Blood Doping
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Pulmonary embolism
• Viral infections
