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Dangerous & Deadly Stacks |
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Written by Dan Gwartney, MD
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Wednesday, 11 February 2009 |
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Page 4 of 8
Succumbing to Chemical Assault
The first death relating to the sport of bodybuilding that achieved any level of public awareness was the 1992 death of 28-year-old Mohammed Benaziza, winner of numerous European Grand Prix events and the 1990 Night of Champions.8 Benaziza’s death was attributed to diuretic abuse, according to news reports. Abuse of diuretics can lead to serious electrolyte imbalances. Electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, are the ingredients added to rehydration drinks like Gatorade to prevent muscle cramping. Even a moderate electrolyte imbalance can cause bodybuilders to seize up like a statue. Paul Dillett’s experience during the 1994 Arnold Classic is an oft-referenced example.8 However, when the imbalance becomes severe, or if the bodybuilder has undiagnosed conduction anomalies affecting his heart rhythm, a fatal heart attack may occur.9
Not all diuretics-related deaths occur immediately. 1996 was the year that the most widely publicized bodybuilding death occurred— Andreas Munzer at age 30. Munzer was renowned for his shredded condition, appearing in contests with paper-thin skin. He competed in the 1996 Arnold Classic on March 2, placing sixth. Munzer, who had been complaining of pain in his abdomen, was rushed to the hospital less than two weeks later with excruciating stomach pains. He was suffering internal bleeding and was noted to be in multiple organ failure. He passed away that same day.8
Normally, electrolytes are tightly controlled, but when diuretics are used, the levels may
fluctuate wildly. This can affect the brain, liver and kidneys, among other tissues. Add to this injury the strain of metabolizing numerous drugs (Munzer’s list of drugs used was extensive; some have labeled it the “death stack”) and the suppression of the stress hormone cortisol (Munzer was using high doses of Cytadren, an early aromatase inhibitor that suppressed cortisol production); it’s easy to see how his body could succumb to the constant chemical assault.10
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Research and Review 
