Exercise as Disease Detector

Abstract

Exercise is a well-known stress test for uncovering heart or lung disease, but it can also stress other organs and unmask a range of medical disorders. Practical case examples are given in seven areas: anemia, headache, hematuria, gastrointestinal problems, seizure, anhidrosis, and hypothyroidism. Recognizing the exercise-induced manifestations can lead to timely diagnoses that improve and save lives.

Recurring Themes in Clinical Sports Medicine

“…Her Hb was 11 g·dL −1 . Iron therapy reversed her mild anemia and she was fine — no more spells (4).…”

“…Her Hb was 11 g•dL −1 . Iron therapy reversed her mild anemia and she was fineno more spells (4). Some 25 years later, another young woman noted "exertional intolerance."…”

Athletes, Anemia, and Iron Redux

“…Patients with anemia may feel fatigue only on exertion. When anemia is mild, strenuous exertion can be the only unmasker (1).…”

Update on Ferritin and Iron Therapy in Athletes

“…Athletes with mild or even moderate anemia note fatigue only with exertion. With very mild anemia, it may take all-out exertion to unmask the fatigue (5).…”