Asparin - after breakfast or before exercise?

[High_fives]

Hello everyone, I'm wondering if anyone had a similar dilemma & what they decided or were told to do about it?

I like to exercise first thing in the morning, long hilly walks nothing too serious.

(I go to the gym later in the day 3 times a week, but that's after eating)

I was put on statins & asparin after a recent health check showed heart damage from a silent heart 😔. I'm asymptomatic but don't want it to happen again.

Asparin should be taken after food, but am I at risk because I do my walk before taking the asparin, or will I still be covered by yesterday's dose?

Appreciate any thoughts 🙏🏽

[annpavitt250448]

Personally I take my aspirin with my evening meal, as I read it protects you over night and early morning, when you are more at risk of heart attack.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Although the half life of Aspirin is a mere 30 minutes its effect on platelets lasts from. 5 - 10 days. This is why Aspirin is usually stopped a few days before surgery. So I think you should be fine but run it past your GP.

Most people on Aspirin and/or other blood thinners/anticoagulants are also prescribed a PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor). Ideally Aspirin should be taken after the meal preceded by the PPI.

[Coopergirl52]

On my Asprin box it says take in the morning after meal so take it after my cup of tea with breakfast with a little juice can't stand the taste of dissolvable Asprin in just water.

[MountainGoat52]

As Michael says, it is the ongoing effect on the platelets that is the key action of Aspirin. I take mine immediately after my bowl of cereal (which facilitates the consumption of 6 other pills) and before a cup of tea, so ensuring the Aspirin is suitably swamped with liquid. No PPIs for me.... thankfully, since I'm allergic to them.

[Qualipop in reply to MountainGoat52]

I'm also allergic to PPIs so I take famotidine.

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Qualipop]

My digestive system is fairly resiliant. The only med I have an issue with is Nifedipine which I have to take at meal times. If I miss it.... I miss it. It's only for my Raynauds anyway.

[Qualipop in reply to MountainGoat52]

Not mine; even with famotidine I have to take gastro resistant aspirin. Have already had a c ouple of peptic ulcers in the past before aspirin.

[Suzyh]

Hi I take mine in a morning as soon as I get up then walk the dog then have breakfast. Never been told to take it after food

[Qualipop in reply to Suzyh]

Aspirin should always be taken with food to help protect your stomach.

[CyclingTime]

I would ensure you have something like omeprazole first to protect your stomach you could then take the aspirin.

Having said that I prefer a belts and braces approach due to the risks with aspirin so I take the Omeprazole have breakfast and then take the aspirin.

As someone put earlier the aspirin is in your system for a number of days so you should be fine without taking it but defo check with your doctor

[Suzyh in reply to CyclingTime]

Thanks I take lansoprozole each morning . Since reading this I now make sure I have something to eat after taking asprin

[PilgrimsProgress]

why exercise as an absolute first thing -?? before any nutrition or hydration... I wouldnt do it - and I think it is unhealthy.... After fasting overnight - you are bound to be a little dry and with a low blood sugar... Exercise, even gentle exercise is certain to inflict that bit more additional stress,,,, Cortisol levels are highest first thing... Get out of bed have brekker and meds... then go for your walk...

[High_fives in reply to PilgrimsProgress]

"Why exercise as an absolute first thing?" - good question

To put into context a) it's not before my body has adjusted & having plenty of water(i don't feel hungry until later in the day, when i enjoy breakfast (it's my most enjoyable meal of the day)

b) perhaps i shouldn't class it as 'exercise' as in going to the gym, i don't get breathless, just a gentle pulse to make sure i'm alive

So to answer the question

Habit - i've done so for years

Opportunity - i find mornings i can get in about an hour of undisturbed times with music or a podcast

Enjoyment - i love watching quiet build-up of the day

Moreover, i will reflect & discuss with my dr when i can - thanks

BTW from your profile i'll be super interested in how you get on - i have an EF of c45% now and want to get to >50% now i'm on meds 🙏

[Jack2019]

I think you are ok to carry on with your routine; that you are not at greater risk if you take it after your morning walk. If you want a little security take an aspirin with you on your walk, that is what I do, I never leave the house without a small container of full strength aspirin.

[High_fives in reply to Jack2019]

Great idea! Thanks

[High_fives]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

I did mange to ask my Dr about the aspirin.

He said not to worry ( never a truer word) and I could take the aspirin any time, it's effect would wear off at 10% per day so delaying a dose wouldn't make a huge difference ( but that I shouldn't do that of course 😇)

Anyway set my mind at rest 🙏🏽

(advice applies to aspirin & me only but for awareness I'm posting)