Key result
Endurance training linked to blood test abnormalities erroneously mimicking myocardial ischemia, anemia, liver, or renal disease.
Why the study?
In endurance-trained athletes, blood test results outside normal limits may reflect physical activity rather than signs of disease, risking erroneous diagnoses.
Case Report (n=6)
Physicians should be aware of patients' exercise habits, as endurance training can cause blood test abnormalities that mimic various diseases.
Physicians are conditioned to interpret blood test results outside "normal" limits as being signs of disease. In endurance-trained athletes, such "abnormal" tests results may instead be indications of physical activity. Data from six runners are presented illustrating that anemia, liver disease, myocardial ischemia, or renal disease might erroneously be diagnosed unless the physician is aware of the exercise habits of the patient.
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Thomas W. Bunch (1980) conducted a case report in Endurance-trained athletes (n=6). Endurance training was evaluated on Blood test abnormalities mimicking disease. Endurance training in six runners caused blood test abnormalities that could erroneously be diagnosed as anemia, liver disease, myocardial ischemia, or renal disease.
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