Blood Lipid Test: Post Racing

Triathlon Forum
1

I just did a pretty hard 50K XC ski race on Sat from which I was super sore. I went in on Mon AM for a blood test to determine my LDL, HDL and Triglycerides as well as a number of other items including hematocrit. I was wondering if any of the numbers might be affected at all due to the fact that my body was doing some rebuilding. Would it be better to go in again a week later, or will the numbers be accurate.

The reason I ask is because I had pretty high LDL (4 mmol/L) and HDL (1.75 mmol/L) last year and have spent the last year on a pretty strict diet, low on Sat fats and processed carbs, lots of oats, almonds and flaxseed etc etc. I am hoping that this results in a reduction in overall LDL. Since these numbers are hereditary and I can’t exercise any more, the dietary change was the last option before going on medication and I’d rather avoid it if I can. If my numbers don’t drop, I may need to consider medication, although my ratio of good to bad is still pretty good.

2

Just pushing this post up, hoping that some of the MD’s on the forum like Taku might shed some insight :-).

3

I’ll be a Dr by the end of the year, but not the type you need, LOL… anyway, my guess is that you would be better off repeating those blood tests after a recovery week, I’ve heard many doctors sayin that it’s a waste of time to test right after a race because all numbers get really screwed up.

4

Thanks. This is what I was thinking. I meet my doc next week so we can discuss and then I’ll likely go in for another test. It will be interesting to see the blood numbers 48 hours after a tough race and then after an easy week of training. I’ll post them on this forum so you guys can dissect and analyse.