Sickle Cell Trait Exercise

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disease characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin genes contributed by both parents. In combination, these abnormal genes cause "sickling," a change in the shape of hemoglobin cells that triggers severe, chronic anemia. When only one parent contributes abnormal hemoglobin, a child inherits a milder condition called sickle cell trait. In certain circumstances, rigorous exercise can lead to life-threatening complications for carriers of this trait.

Carriers of Sickle Cell Trait

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, sickle cell anemia and the sickle cell trait most frequently occur in individuals of African descent and in Hispanics born in the Caribbean. Other potential sufferers or carriers include people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian and Native American descent. If you carry the sickle cell trait, you will typically not experience the symptoms found in sufferers of full-blown sickle cell anemia. In some cases, you may experience a fairly mild form of the disease.

Understanding the Risks of Exercise

• Although you may feel no ill effects from sickle cell trait during everyday activities, vigorous exercise may change your health outlook dramatically. This occurs when intense or prolonged physical exertion causes your normally round hemoglobin cells to temporarily change into the classic quarter-moon sickle shape found in full-blown sickle cell anemia. According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, these altered hemoglobin cells can interlock in your blood vessels, leading to blood starvation in your muscle tissues. Without their normal blood supply, your muscle tissues begin to break down rapidly, triggering a condition called ischemic rhabdomyolysis, with effects including muscle weakness, cramps, stiffness and seizures. In turn, ischemic rhabdomyolysis can trigger life-threatening changes in your basic metabolism.

  If you exert yourself to the point of exhaustion, your hemoglobin cells may begin sickling in as little as two to three minutes. If you continue your physical efforts at this point, you may easily trigger the onset of rhabdomyolysis and its dangerous complications. Your condition may be even more critical if you are exercising in hot weather or at high altitude or if you suffer from dehydration or asthma. Once you reach this extreme stage, there is a chance you may simply collapse and die. Increased potential for a sickle cell trait-related collapse is found in members of the military, as well as among certain athletes, including football players, long-distance runners and basketball players.

Safeguarding Your Health

• If you are a member of an at-risk group for sickle cell trait and plan to participate in strenuous exercise or activity, you should undergo a thorough physical examination first. If sickle cell trait is found, there are a number of steps you can take to safeguard your health. During training, build up the intensity of your workouts slowly, and take substantial breaks between bouts of activity. Avoid intensive performance tests such as serial sprints or timed mile runs. You will also need to avoid working out if you are ill or environmental factors are not favorable. Make sure your coaches or instructors are aware of your condition, and consult your doctor for further guidance.