Forums >Health and Nutrition>Blood work for runners
I am scheduling an annual check-up soon. Are there any running related blood factors that I should request testing for? I am 53 if age matters.
Good Bad & The Monkey
No
However, for all people getting an annual checkup at age 53, consider:
- blood counts (checks for anemia)
- fasting lipids/cholesterol
- fasting glucose
- some might advocate for blood "chemistries", which measures certain salts and enzymes in the blood
If there are certain symptoms or risk factors, also consider thyropid testing, cardiac testing, colonoscopy
- and every check up every time: blood pressure
I'm running somewhere tomorrow. It's going to be beautiful. I can't wait.
Poor baby
If you are bored
Thanks, Trent.
good question!
I hear of doctors who test for vitamin deficiencies also, is that test called something in particular? I'm due for mine too.
For women, you want to check for Vitamin D, and after a certain age bone density.
thanks Trent, I'll mention the vitamin D. I'm almost 35, so have some more deteriorating to do before I need the bone density.
Not something to test for, but I found that my bilirubin levels came back elevated if blood was drawn the day after exercise. It caused a new employer to put me "on hold" for six weeks while sorting out my supposed liver malfunction.
"I want you to pray as if everything depends on it, but I want you to prepare yourself as if everything depends on you."
-- Dick LeBeau
that's interesting, because I have Gilbert's disease, then don't have Gilbert's disease, then have Gilbert's disease, year over year.
The indicator is high billirubin.
Depending on the type of bilirubin, it can be either a nonspecific test that is abnormal when you are breaking down red blood cells OR from liver problems, or it can be a specific test showing only liver abnormalities.
I agree with the general lipid profile. If your physical turns up anything strange, your doctor might request additional tests. I had shortness of breath and slow pulse last summer and my doctor ordered an electrolyte panel and a thyroid test in addition to the regular stuff. I also had a stress test.
I've got a physical next week and want to get the fasting blood work out of the way in the AM. Is it okay to do a 90-120 minute run before, say about an hour or so?
Yes.
Just to relay the experience. I ran a hard 12 the morning I was to have bloodwork done. They made me repeat the bloodwork a month later and told me not to overly exert myself 24 hours before the test. I guess some liver function tests were a little screwy and there was blood in my urine. follow up was normal but I guess hard running can screw things up a bit.
not bad for mile 25
I did this recently, which was fine. My mistake was not telling them I had donated blood a couple of days prior. They had anemia treatment lined up for me.