Daily Aspirin?

Should I Take a Baby Aspirin Daily?

Dr. Lewis G. Maharam

www.runnersworld.com

I am 52 years old and I heard that marathon running provides an increased risk of heart attack. Should I take a baby aspirin daily? I have no medical problems and take no meds. My cholesterol is 170 and my doctor says I am in great shape. I just had an exercise stress test that was "normal." What do you think? - Geoffrey S., Boston

Geoffrey, thank you for this question. There is some new medical evidence that bears some discussion.

My good friend, Dr. Arthur Siegel, at the Boston Marathon, has reported at recent medical meetings that there is evidence of platelet activation in asymptomatic marathon runners during races, documenting an enhanced risk for intravascular thrombosis. (In plain English: heart attack, or dysrhythmia.)

This comes from...