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Thrombosis and Thrombotic Risk in Athletes
Ciro Miele1,2,3, Cristina Mennitti1, Alessandro Gentile1
1Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Physical activity can protect athletes, but exertion, dehydration, and immobilization increase venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. New biomarkers and therapies are crucial for early diagnosis and athlete health.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Hematology
- Physiology
Background:
- The hemostatic system balances pro- and anticoagulant forces; disruptions can lead to hemorrhage or thrombosis.
- Athletes face unique venous thromboembolism (VTE) risks from exertion, dehydration, immobilization, and certain sports.
- Current VTE biomarkers (e.g., D-dimer, Factor VIII) have complex interpretations and can indicate other conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between physical exercise and thromboembolism risk in athletes.
- To identify key factors contributing to thrombosis in professional athletes.
- To highlight the need for novel biomarkers and therapies for athlete health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on exercise, hemostasis, and VTE in athletic populations.
- Analysis of factors contributing to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in various sports.
- Discussion of current diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Exercise offers protection, but specific factors like hemoconcentration and immobilization increase VTE risk.
- Certain sports involving repetitive motions or intense exertion are linked to upper and lower DVT.
- Existing biomarkers lack sufficient specificity for accurate VTE diagnosis in athletes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between exercise and VTE is vital for athlete well-being.
- Development of sensitive and specific biomarkers is essential for early thromboembolism detection.
- Effective anticoagulant therapy remains critical for preventing serious complications like pulmonary embolism.
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