Summary
Blood coagulation, fibrinolysis and platelet aggregability were assessed in 8 physicians
aged 30-40 years, who had travelled nonstop by car from Salonica to Athens (510 km)
and returned to Salonica after 48 h of rest and after administration of 1 g of aspirin.
At the end of journey A, platelet aggregability was found to be increased (6 out of
8 persons), AT III was decreased by 30% (p <0.001), the FVIIIiC / FVIIIRiAg ratio
was decreased (p <0.02) and ELT was prolonged. At the end of journey B the findings
were the following: platelet aggregation was not affected, the decrease of AT III
was not statistically significant and ELT was significantly shortened (p <0.005).
A common finding of both journeys was the increase of platelet counts at the end (p
<0.005).
The correlation between long lasting sitting and the response of the haemostatic balance
is suggested. The influence of aspirin is discussed.
Key words
Sitting position and haemostasis - Coagulation mechanism - Fibrinolysis
