Abstract des Autors

Fluid and mineral balance was measured in postcoronary patients and other middle-aged subjects participating in a total of 26 marathon distance events. Although the running speed of the postcoronary group was generally much lower than that of young and healthy subjects, weight losses of up to 4 kg were incurred over some races. Calculations suggest that about half of this weight loss is true dehydration. There is conflicting evidence about which body compartment looses the water. If a middle-aged postcoronary patient has progressed in an exercise regimen to such an extent that he can run for several hours,he will have fluid and mineral needs similar to those of younger individual covering the same distance at a faster pace. Prehydration and frequent small drinks of water or weak saline while running can minimize, or in some instances, prevent dehydration. However, sweat losses of minerals, particularly iron and magnesium, are substantial, and these must be made good after the run. Verf.-Referat