Running a marathon may cause kidney injury, finds a study | Health - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Running a marathon may cause kidney injury, finds a study

New York | ByIANS
Mar 29, 2017 03:54 PM IST

Researchers said the kidney responds to the physical stress of marathon running as if it’s injured, in a way similar to what happens in hospitalised patients when the kidney is affected by medical and surgical complications.

Gearing up for a marathon? Beware, the physical stress caused by running may cause kidney injury, says a new research.

Sustained rise in core body temperature, dehydration or decreased blood flow to the kidneys that occurs during a marathon could be the causes of damage.(Shutterstock)
Sustained rise in core body temperature, dehydration or decreased blood flow to the kidneys that occurs during a marathon could be the causes of damage.(Shutterstock)

In the study, 82% of the runners had Stage 1 Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) soon after the race. AKI is a condition in which the kidneys fail to filter waste from the blood. The researchers stated that potential causes of the marathon-related kidney damage could be the sustained rise in core body temperature, dehydration or decreased blood flow to the kidneys that occurs during a marathon.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“The kidney responds to the physical stress of marathon running as if it’s injured, in a way that’s similar to what happens in hospitalised patients when the kidney is affected by medical and surgical complications,” said Chirag Parikh, professor at Yale University in Connecticut, US.

Although kidneys of the examined runners fully recovered within two days post-marathon, the study raises questions about potential long-term impacts of this strenuous activity at a time when marathons are increasing in popularity, the researchers said in the paper published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

Previous studies have shown there are also changes in heart function associated with marathon running.

The study raises questions about the potential long-term impact of running marathons. (Shutterstock)
The study raises questions about the potential long-term impact of running marathons. (Shutterstock)

For the study, the team analysed participants who took part in the 2015 Hartford Marathon. The team collected blood and urine samples before and after the 26.2-mile or 42-km event.

They analysed a variety of markers of kidney injury, including serum creatinine levels, kidney cells on microscopy and proteins in urine.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.

Oscars 2024: Nominees to Red Carpet Glam! Get Exclusive Coverage on HT. Click Here

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On