Aging increases certain thrombotic risk factors, such as fibrinogen, factor VII, PAI-1 and plasma viscosity, contributing to cardiovascular diseases being the principal cause of death in developed countries. Physical exercise can counteract this tendency by influencing such factors.
Purpose: To assess the effect of regular physical exercise on fibrinogen, factor VII, PAI-1 and plasma viscosity in an elderly group.
Methods: Sixty-three old people of both sexes, aged between 65 and 94, participated in this study, and were randomly distributed between a test group (n = 31) and a control group (n = 32). The test group followed a program of physical exercise for eight months, with an intensity of 60% to 80% of heart rate reserve, composed of three weekly sessions, on alternate days, of 60 minutes each. The control group maintained their normal activity. Before the beginning of the program and eight months afterwards, blood samples were collected to assess fibrinogen, factor VII, PAI-1 and plasma viscosity.
Results: In the test group, fibrinogen, factor VII and plasma viscosity decreased significantly while PAI-1 showed no significant change. The control group did not present alterations in any of the parameters assessed.
Conclusions: Regular physical exercise decreases thrombotic risk and may help to reduce cardiovascular events in the elderly.