As spring sports begin and temperatures increase, it is important to address factors that may impact training and injuries in athletes of all ages. Knowing your health history is a vital part of staying safe while exercising and something that you, your primary care and sports medicine doctors should take seriously. While many people have probably heard of sickle cell disease, they may not be familiar with sickle cell trait, a significant condition to consider when exercising.

Here are 5 things to know about sickle cell trait.

1. What is sickle cell trait?

Sickle cell trait is not a disease. It is a condition where a person is born with one normal gene for hemoglobin and one gene for abnormal or sickled hemoglobin. Sickle cell trait is a lifelong condition that does not change over time.

2. Who gets sickle cell trait?

Sickle cell trait is more common in people who have ancestors from Africa, South or Central America, the Caribbean, Mediterranean countries, India or Saudi Arabia. It occurs in about eight percent of the African American population within the United States.

3. Why is it important?

People with sickle cell trait should not be excluded from sports participation but should be aware of possible complications during intense physical activity. During exercise, red blood cells that have the sickle hemoglobin can change shape and clump together in the bloodstream, blocking normal blood flow to muscles. Although rare, some athletes have had significant physical distress, collapsed and even died during intense exercise. Heat, dehydration, altitude and asthma can increase the risk for complications associated with sickle cell trait, even with mild or moderate intensity exercise.

4. How do I know if I have sickle cell trait?

Most U.S. States test for sickle cell trait at birth but many athletes with the trait do not know that they have it. You can ask your primary care doctor to check your records or request a blood test to see if you have sickle cell trait. The NCAA recommends that all student-athletes have a confirmed sickle cell trait status.

5. What can I do to prevent illness or injury?

Know your sickle cell trait status! Start with a slow and gradual conditioning regimen before doing any intense exercise. Once you have started more intense drills, take rest and recovery breaks between repetitions. Stop exercise immediately and tell your athletic trainer or coach if you have muscle pain or feel unusually weak, tired or out of breath. Do not do vigorous exercise while you are feeling ill, especially if you have a fever. Stay well hydrated, especially when it is hot or humid.

AMSSM Member Authors
Jennifer Gaitley, MD