atocrit levels above 50%. In doing this you replicate the disease state of polycythaemia, which increases blood viscosity, clogging up arteries, thus increasing the work of the heart. Coupling this state with dehydration which is common in endurance sports could result in cardiac arrest or pulmonary embolism. The deaths of 20 world-class cyclists, some in their sleep, have been attributed to rhEPO misuse in recent years.Considering all the gains of rhEPO, its use still presents too great a risk. At the Olympic Games this year a combined blood and urine test was introduced for the first time. The tests were heralded as a breakthrough, a new era in the fight against drugs in sport. No one at the Games tested positive. Therefore no one at the Games used rhEPO! Unlikely. It is believed the users are 10 years ahead of the testers.However these tests will now make it difficult to mask rhEPO when used throughout the season. Advice must be given to athletes about the dangers of rhEPO use. Alternative such as altitude training must be considered to avert athletes away from its use. Many athletes desperate to become faster and stronger will inevitably cheat. So is human nature. ...
