The impact of static work on fibrinolysis and platelet function

Brief stress such as dynamic work protects against thrombosis by enhancing blood fluidity. The effect of isometric work on blood fluidity, however, is not known. The aim of the present study therefore was to test the effect of isometric work on heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), platelet function and fibrinolytic activity. Twelve healthy male volunteers were tested before and after isometric work. Isometric work resulted in an increase in HR from 62.4 to 110.0 beats/min and in systolic BP from 118.3 to 134.5 mmHg (p < 0.01). No significant change occurred in platelet release estimated as plasma levels of B-TG and PF-4, or platelet aggregation induced by ADP. Fibrinolytic activity increased, as evidenced by a decrease in ECLT from 136.7 + 10.5 to 72.3 + 9.8 min) (p < 0.01) and an increase in t-PA of 400%. No significant change was observed in PAI. The present data suggest that isometric work increases fibrinolytic activity significantly, but leaves platelet function unchanged.