question for medical professional

[billyboy]

I have to take a treadmill test today for my employer. Is there any advantage to taking some asprin to thin my blood out a bit? I am in better than average condition but naturally I am concerned since my job is at stake.

[Nathans_Dad]

Nope. Aspirin is used to try and prevent heart attacks in that it inhibits platelet clotting in response to a ruptured arterial plaque. Treadmills look for blockages in arteries which cause poor blood flow to the heart during exercise. Two different things.

If you have significant blockage in your coronary arteries the only way to get rid of it prior to treadmill would be to get a cardiac cath/stent (not gonna happen) or go back in time and change your diet and exercise more.

Bottom line, there's nothing you can do to improve your treadmill or change the result.

[livi]

I concur.

Theoretically, at least a high dose of Aspirin, together with blood pressure raising high intensity exercise could create a certain risk for cerebral hemorrhage in a susceptible individual. Further more, with certain individuals the combination of ASA and intense exercise can lodge a severe asthma attack.

Almost kidding. Would be bloody unlikely, albeit true in theory.

Bottom line: No advantage (and most likely no disadvantage).

[fastpat]

In addition to what the first two have stated, you might get a benefit by taking aspirin by its' anagesic effect, maybe 30-60 minutes prior to exercise. that won't be a cardiac issue, it will lessen felt discomfort in your arms and legs. Of course, if you're over 40, or even younger with a family history of cardiac disease, you should be on an aspirin regimen already.

[billyboy]

Thanks for the answers. I just got back from the test. Being a government deal, the doctor said he is not supposed to tell me if I passed or not, but he said that I was in very good condition,wink wink... but I didn't hear it from him. I do take an aspirin everyday for the cardiac benefit and to deal with the general aches and pains associated with a life of strenuous work.

[Moneyguy1]

I havent had a "stress test", but I recently had an ultrasound of my arterial system. Since I am retired (no youngster anymore) I have less than 5% occlusion anywhere.

Lucky so far, I guess.....

[fastpat]

Originally posted by Moneyguy1
I havent had a "stress test", but I recently had an ultrasound of my arterial system. Since I am retired (no youngster anymore) I have less than 5% occlusion anywhere.

Lucky so far, I guess.....

Mostly good genes, at least as far your arteries are concerned. It's what's between your ears that has me concerned.

[Moneyguy1]

Now pat........Am I one who constantly picks on YOU?

Even if I were, would I be the only one?

Heehee.....

Here's the best part.....My Dad died at 57 of a massive coronary and had had three earlier ones. Go figure.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by Moneyguy1
Now pat........Am I one who constantly picks on YOU?

Even if I were, would I be the only one?

Heehee.....

Here's the best part.....My Dad died at 57 of a massive coronary and had had three earlier ones. Go figure.

I know the feeling, my dad's "big one" heart attack was when he was three years younger than I am now. When he had a cardiac arteriogram they found earlier scarring indicating an undiagnosed heart attack. He had been seen by a physician when he was 48 who diagnosed a gall bladder attack for his chest pains.

[Moneyguy1]

I went because I had some discomfort under the left arm (ribcage). Seems that I have to slow down when mixing concrete for home projects. Pulled a muscle. Happy the doc was thorough.

[kycarguy 935]

What was the time, incline and speed of the test?

I fast walk the treadmill at the gym for 30 minutes 3 days a week so I'm just curious. Thanks.

[billyboy]

The test started out flat at a average walking speed. Every 3 minutes, the ramp raised about an inch and the speed moved up also. The final level was about 4 mph at about 15 degrees.

[kycarguy 935]

Ok thanks billy.