Summary
Previous studies have established a link/relationship between haemostatic factors
and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, physical conditioning is
associated with lower coronary heart disease risk. The purpose of this study was to
assess the association between physical exercise and haemostatic factors among middle-aged
women surviving an acute coronary event. The Stockholm Female Coronary Risk Study
included 292 women aged < 65 years, resident in the greater Stockholm area, who were
hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome. Extensive clinical screening including
exercise testing, and blood tests were performed 3–6 months after the coronary event.
Self-reported physical activity was assessed by a WHO questionnaire. Patients on warfarin
treatment were excluded from our analyses. Haemostatic factors were generally higher
among physically inactive patients when compared to physically active women in our
univariate models. Exercise capacity had a statistically significant relationship
with factor VII antigen (p=0.039) and vWFag (p=0.038) even in our multiadjusted analyses.
Physical inactivity and poor physical fitness are associated with a potentially prothrombotic
blood profile in middle aged women with coronary heart disease.
Keywords
Coagulation - fibrinolysis - exercise capacity - women - coronary artery disease