Hyponatremia is most often seen in which athletes?

Hyponatremia is most often seen in which athletes?

• A. Marathon runners
• B. Basketball players
• C. Swimming swimmers
• D. Cyclists

Answer: (A)

Hyponatremia in athletes typically arises from drinking large amounts of fluid during prolonged exercise, which dilutes blood sodium while sweat sodium losses deplete electrolytes. Endurance events that last several hours create the highest risk because athletes may over-hydrate and still lose sodium through sweat. Marathons fit this scenario best: they involve long, sustained effort and often substantial fluid intake, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. Shorter activities like basketball or swimming involve less total fluid loss and duration, making hyponatremia less common in them, while cycling can be long but the classic and most recognized risk pattern points to marathon runners.

Hyponatremia in athletes typically arises from drinking large amounts of fluid during prolonged exercise, which dilutes blood sodium while sweat sodium losses deplete electrolytes. Endurance events that last several hours create the highest risk because athletes may over-hydrate and still lose sodium through sweat. Marathons fit this scenario best: they involve long, sustained effort and often substantial fluid intake, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. Shorter activities like basketball or swimming involve less total fluid loss and duration, making hyponatremia less common in them, while cycling can be long but the classic and most recognized risk pattern points to marathon runners.