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Physical activity and hemostatic and inflammatory variables in elderly men
S Goya Wannamethee1, Gordon D O Lowe, Peter H Whincup
1Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, UK. goya@pcps.ucl.ac.uk
Circulation
|April 17, 2002
Summary
Regular physical activity lowers cardiovascular disease risk by improving blood markers. Maintaining or increasing activity levels positively impacts hemostatic and inflammatory variables, crucial for heart health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Physical activity is linked to reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
- Hemostatic and inflammatory markers are implicated in CVD pathogenesis.
- This study investigated the association between physical activity and these key biological variables.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between physical activity levels and hemostatic and inflammatory markers in middle-aged and older men.
- To determine if physical activity influences blood viscosity, coagulation factors, and inflammatory indicators.
- To understand the role of physical activity in modulating CVD risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 3810 men (initially 40-59 years old) re-examined 20 years later.
- Analysis of fasting blood samples for fibrinogen, viscosity, platelet count, coagulation factors (VIII, IX), von Willebrand factor, D-dimer, t-PA antigen, C-reactive protein, and white cell count.
- Statistical adjustments for potential confounders, including changes in physical activity over time.
Main Results:
- Significant inverse dose-response relationships were observed between physical activity and numerous hemostatic markers (e.g., fibrinogen, blood viscosity, coagulation factors) and inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, white cell count).
- These associations persisted after adjusting for confounders and were evident in men with and without existing cardiovascular disease.
- Men who increased their physical activity showed improved blood variable levels, while those who became inactive showed worsened levels.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity favorably impacts hemostatic and inflammatory pathways.
- These effects on blood variables likely contribute, at least in part, to the protective benefits of physical activity against cardiovascular disease.
- Promoting physical activity may be a key strategy for CVD prevention through modulation of hemostasis and inflammation.
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