Exercise and links to kidney failure

Exercise and Kidney Failure


Most exercise advice or programs contain the warning to start slow and add more weight, or increase your cardio workout, as you gain strength and stamina. Many of us probably assume that this advice is to prevent stressing our unprepared hearts and to avoid sore muscles. But did you know that extreme exercise with an untrained body can also lead to kidney failure?

The name of the condition is Rhabdomyolysis. It happens when damage occurs to skeletal muscles, causing them to break down and release myoglobin (the oxygen carrying pigment in muscle), creatine kinase, electrolytes and enzymes into the blood. Skeletal muscles are in the legs and arms. When they incur injury, the by-products from their destruction can collect in the renal tubules and produce Acute Renal Failure.

Along with muscle damage, some other causes of Rhabdomyolysis are electrical shock, crushing injuries and some cholesterol lowering medications. It is also a frequent complication for burn victims. Symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis include muscle stiffness, tenderness or weakness and dark red or cola colored urine. You may also experience rapid heartbeat, confusion, irritation, nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing.

If you think you have Rhabdomyolysis, you need to go to your hospital's emergency department, as it is a life threatening condition. There they will draw blood to check for a high myoglobin level, the presence of creatine kinase, and other related labs, to get a diagnosis. After a confirmed diagnosis, they will likely admit you into the hospital for aggressive hydration, to help flush the myoglobin, and other harmful substances, from your body. The IV fluid may contain sodium bicarbonate to help alkalinize your urine. Urinary alkalinization increases myoglobin solubility in the urine, helping it to exit your body and decreasing the possible damage to your kidneys. The goal, of course, is to bring your system back into balance and to prevent renal failure.

IV hydration will often be enough to avoid severe complications. If IV fluids are not enough to reverse the chemical imbalance, you may need a blood transfusion, kidney dialysis or even surgery to relieve the pressure on blood vessels and nerves caused by swollen muscles. With prompt medical attention, though, you can normally expect a full recovery from Rhabdomyolysis and may be able to leave the hospital in only a day or two.

So remember, eat healthy and exercise smart. Start all new exercise regimes slowly and add more as you get stronger. Exercising the correct way makes your heart happy, lowers your blood pressure, helps you maintain an appropriate weight and helps to make, and keep, you healthy.