![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
In brief
Numerous physiologic derangements can result when body-builders attempt to augment their muscle definition by using diuretics, potassium supplements, and dietary restrictions. A case report describes a 27- year-old male professional bodybuilder who employed these strategies and presented with profound muscle weakness and muscle cramps. He was found to have life-threatening hyperkalemia, ECG changes, mild rhabdomyolysis, and prerenal azotemia. Vigorous volume expansion and potassium-lowering maneuvers reversed the skeletal muscle and cardiac complications. The patient's symptoms resembled those of another professional bodybuilder who died after employing similar drug and diet strategies.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
James E. Sturmi
Dr Sturmi is in private practice at Rocky Ridge Family Medicine in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, and is clinical assistant professor of family practice and sports medicine at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.
G. W. Rutecki
Dr Rutecki is associate professor of internal medicine at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM) in Rootstown, Ohio, and associate program director of the internal medicine residency program at NEOUCOM Affiliated Hospitals in Canton, Ohio.