risk factors

Last reviewed 01/2018

Recognized risk factors include:

• athlete-related
  • excessive drinking behavior
  • weight gain during exercise
  • low body weight
  • female sex
  • slow running or performance pace
  • event inexperience
  • use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (can inhibit free water clearance during exercise- advised against use)
• event-related
  • high availability of drinking fluids
  • >4 hours exercise duration
  • unusually hot environmental conditions
  • extreme cold temperature