Blood chemistry and lipid profiles of elite distance runners.

In summary, we conclude that the analysis of the blood profiles of elite runners offers no explanation for their superior fitness of physical ability when compared to the good runners. Selected enzymes related to cellular or tissue damage may be elevated in distance runners and could be classified as abnormal on routine clinical evaluation if unaware of their physical lifestyles. It is also important to note that certain blood profile parameters, especially the hematocrit, could be classified as abnormally low. Finally, the high degree of daily physical activity performed by the elite runners and good runners appears to be associated with a lipoprotein profile consistent with a low risk for development of coronary artery disease manifestations. These profiles persist despite increasing age in active running males.