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Effects of exercise intensity on clot microstructure and mechanical properties in healthy individuals

Nia Davies, Osian Llwyd, J.V. Brugniaux, G.R. Davies, C.J. Marley, D. Hodson, Matthew Lawrence, L.A. D'Silva, R.H.K. Morris, Karl Hawkins Orcid Logo, Rhodri Williams Orcid Logo, D.M. Bailey, Adrian Evans Orcid Logo

Thrombosis Research, Volume: 143, Pages: 130 - 136

Swansea University Authors: Nia Davies, Osian Llwyd, Matthew Lawrence, Karl Hawkins Orcid Logo, Rhodri Williams Orcid Logo, Adrian Evans Orcid Logo

Abstract

BackgroundExercise is well established to lead to exercise-induced hypercoagulability, as demonstrated by kinetic coagulation markers. It remains unclear as to whether exercise-induces changes lead in clot development and increased polymerisation. Fractal dimension (df) has been shown to act as a ma...

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Published in: Thrombosis Research
ISSN: 0049-3848
Published: Elsevier BV 2016
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29486
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Abstract: BackgroundExercise is well established to lead to exercise-induced hypercoagulability, as demonstrated by kinetic coagulation markers. It remains unclear as to whether exercise-induces changes lead in clot development and increased polymerisation. Fractal dimension (df) has been shown to act as a marker of clot microstructure and mechanical properties, and may provide a more meaningful method of determining the relationship between exercise-induced hypercoagulability and potential clot development.Methodsdf was measured in 24 healthy individuals prior to, after 5 min of submaximal exercise, following maximal exercise, 45 min of passive recovery and following 60 min of recovery. Results were compared with conventional markers of coagulation, fibrinolysis and SEM images.ResultsSignificantly increased df was observed following exercise, returning to resting values following 60 min of recovery. The relationship between df and mature clot microstructure was confirmed by SEM: higher df was associated with dense clots formed of smaller fibrin fibres immediately following exercise compared to at rest. Conventional markers of coagulation confirmed findings of previous studies.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that df is a sensitive technique which quantifies the structure and properties of blood clots following exercise. In healthy individuals, the haemostatic balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis is maintained in equilibrium following exercise. In individuals with underlying vascular damage who participate in exercise, this equilibrium may be displaced and lead to enhanced clot formation and a prothrombotic state. df may therefore have the potential to not only quantify hypercoagulability, but may also be useful in screening these individuals.
College: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Start Page: 130
End Page: 136