what killed rich piana

The cause of death of bodybuilder Rich Piana is officially listed as "unknown" due to the number of potential factors involved. However, an autopsy revealed "significant heart disease" and that his heart and liver weighed over twice the average amount for an adult male. Piana was known for his use of anabolic steroids and insulin, and 20 bottles of steroids were found in his home by police. His autopsy also noted findings of "coronary atherosclerosis," or hardening of the arteries. While a toxicology report was not conducted, drug involvement could not be ruled out as a contributing factor to his death. Joe Rogan and his guest Dave Portnoy discussed Pianas death on an episode of JRE, with Portnoy criticizing Piana's open admission to steroid use.