Sickle Cell Trait: Athletes with Sickle Cell Trait Need to be Cautious, Says Dr.

As reported in the Norwich Bulletin by Dr. Anthony Alessi, African-Americans, who have the sickle cell trait must be cautious about competing at high altitudes. Sickl

Dr. Alessi writes, "Two years ago, Ryan Clark of the Pittsburgh Steelers nearly died after playing in Denver. He required emergency surgery to remove his spleen and gall bladder. Ryan, along with one in 12 African-Americans, has the sickle cell trait and must be cautious about competing at high altitudes."

The Dr, notes, Sickle cell disease affects the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. It is an evolutionary adaptation that provides resistance to malaria and is found in people who come from areas where malaria is endemic like Africa, the Middle East, South America as well as the Mediterranean, Caribbean and other areas. The decreased oxygen-carrying ability of hemoglobin results in damage to a variety of organs including the brain, lungs and spleen.

Sickle cell disease differs from the sickle cell trait. The trait is found in those who have both a normal and a sickle component to hemoglobin. During intense exertion, dehydration or conditions that decrease oxygen, red blood cells change their shape and clog blood vessels throughout the body.

The condition can also result in a potentially lethal breakdown of muscle known as acute exertional rhabdomyolysis. Read More of the article HERE