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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Effect of exercise on platelet activation during aspirin or clopidogrel intake in healthy men
Esben Hjorth Madsen1, Morten Krogh Christiansen, Erik Berg Schmidt
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. ehmadsen@gmail.dk
Abstract:
Sudden strenuous exercise increases the risk of ischemic cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease. The exact mechanism behind this observation is unknown, but platelet activation induced by exercise may be of importance. We hypothesized that brief strenuous exercise would activate platelets in healthy men, assessed by the Platelet Function Analyzer 100 and light transmittance aggregometry. Nearly all participants exhibited increased platelet reactivity after exercise measured by the Platelet Function Analyzer 100, whereas only minor changes were detected by light transmittance aggregometry. A significant increase in plasma von Willebrand Factor was also found in response to exercise. In conclusion, platelet activation occurs during exercise in healthy individuals. This activation is not prevented by use of aspirin or clopidogrel, and may partly be explained by an increase in plasma von Willebrand Factor.
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