NEW STUDY:

HEALTH CONCERNS & DIURETIC USE

By Steve Blechman

A most recent study published in the American Journal of Medicine on September 1, 2021 found that in an “emergency department study, thiazide users had a high prevalence of not only hyponatremia and hypokalemia, but also, syncope and falls.”

Hypokalemia (too little potassium) can cause serious health problems like irregular heart rhythms, cardiac arrest and death. Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) can cause syncope (fainting or sudden temporary loss of consciousness) and seizures.

“A total of 1,604 patients (7.9%) took thiazides. Acute kidney injury was significantly more common in thiazide users.” The results of the study found that a “dose dependant effect was found for electrolyte disorders.”

Diuretic abuse has been a major health concern in bodybuilding and for contest preparation. Lasix (Furosemide), a loop diuretic, has been used and abused in bodybuilding for decades.

Electrolytes (such as sodium, chloride and potassium) maintain and control the balance of fluids and electrical conduction required for muscle contaction, including the heart. A simple blood test taken by a doctor can determine abnormal electrolyte levels pre- and post-competition. Take action now! Better safe than sorry!!

References:

1. Risk of Electrolyte Disorders, Syncope, and Falls in Patients Taking Thiazide Diuretics: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study. Svenja Ravioli, Shawki Bahmad, Georg-Christian Funk, Christoph Schwarz, et al. The American Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.04.007. September 01, 2021

2. Adverse Effects of Thiazide Diuretics. Allan S. Brett, MD, reviewing, Ravioli S et al. Am J Med 2021 Sep https://www.jwatch.org/na54109/2021/09/23/adverse-effects-thiazide-diuretics

3. Eid PS, Ibrahim DA, Zayan AH, Elrahman MMA, Shehata MAA, Kandil H, Abouibrahim MA, Duy LM, Shinkar A, Elfaituri MK, Minh LHN, Fahmy MM, Tam DNH, Vuong NL, Shah J, Do VBD, Hirayama K, Huy NT. Comparative effects of furosemide and other diuretics in the treatment of heart failure: a systematic review and combined meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Heart Fail Rev. 2021 Jan;26(1):127-136. doi: 10.1007/s10741-020-10003-7. PMID: 32783109.

4. Khan TM, Patel R, Siddiqui AH. Furosemide. 2021 Aug 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan. PMID: 29763096.

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