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Biochemical changes as a result of prolonged strenuous exercise
Darren E R Warburton1, R C Welsh, M J Haykowsky
1Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. darrenwb@interchange.ubc.ca
Objective:
To briefly review biochemical changes that may result from prolonged strenuous exercise and to relate these changes to health risk.
Methods:
Medline and Sports Discus databases were searched for relevant articles. Additional articles were found using cross referencing and the authors' knowledge of the subject area.
Results:
Prolonged strenuous exercise may result in a series of biochemical changes that are of concern from a health point of view. Generally, these changes are benign, but some, especially hyponatraemia, are potentially life threatening occurrences.
Conclusion:
Doctors and athletes should be aware of the potentially adverse biochemical changes, especially hyponatraemia, that may result from prolonged strenuous exercise.