Physical inactivity causes fatal thrombosis in women
According to a new study, women with low physical fitness have a significantly higher risk of thrombosis than fit women. Scientists were able to demonstrate that even moderate training in a relatively short time leads to significantly positive effects. In Germany alone, around 100,000 people die each year as a result of venous thrombosis.
Lower fitness increases the risk of thrombosis
According to the German Society for Angiology / Association of Vascular Medicine (DGA), the number of thromboses and the associated complications in the form of pulmonary embolism has increased in recent years. An undiscovered thrombosis quickly becomes a mortal danger. In Germany alone, an estimated 100,000 people die each year as a result of venous thrombosis. Austrian researchers have now found that women with low physical fitness have a significantly higher risk of thrombosis.
Complaints are sometimes confused with sore muscles
In a thrombosis, a blood clot (thrombus) is formed, which can constrict a vessel or completely clogged. If the blood clot is flushed into the lungs with the bloodstream, it may block blood vessels and cause pulmonary embolism, which is often fatal. In addition, blood clots can cause a heart attack or stroke and other circulatory disorders. Persistent back pain, reddish discoloration and swelling may be an indication of thrombosis. In addition, experts point out that thick legs, swollen legs and a feeling of tension - often in the popliteal fossa - can be warning signs for a thrombosis. The complaints are often confused with a sore muscles.
Blood clots can clog blood vessels
According to a press release from the Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Vienna), women with low physical fitness have a significantly higher platelet activation than women with average or very good fitness. This is the central finding of a study supported by the Austrian Heart Fund with 62 young women, conducted by the research groups around Ivo Volf (Institute of Physiology of the MedUni Vienna) and Rochus Pokan (Institute of Sports Science of the University of Vienna). It has been reported that the activation of platelets (platelets) can lead to the formation of potentially life-threatening thrombi. These blood clots can block blood vessels (thrombosis) and cause the loss of blood supply to organs. The scientists recently published their findings in the journal "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise".
Increased fitness quickly leads to normalization
In addition, the researchers were able to show that increased fitness quickly leads to a normalization of platelet function - this was sufficient a running training of a maximum of 40 minutes, three times a week, over the period of two months. According to the University's announcement, cardiovascular disease and its acute forms, such as heart attack or stroke, are the leading causes of death worldwide. Experts predict that the pathogenesis of these diseases over several decades is promoted by several risk factors that negatively impact the function of different target cells influence. Activation of platelets may therefore lead to an association of these cells and thus to the formation of a thrombus, whereby the blood flow is hindered.
Even moderate training leads quickly to positive effects
The study showed that even moderate training in a relatively short time leads to significantly positive effects - and to an approximation of the values of platelet activation to the two fitter test subjects. First study author Stefan Heber said: "Latent activated platelets release a variety of mediators that promote the development of atherosclerotic vascular changes. Therefore, if low physical fitness is associated with a higher degree of activation of the platelets, an influence on the earliest stages of this disease development is conclusive. The training effects shown here fit very well with epidemiological data, according to which trained individuals are approximately 40 percent less at risk for cardiovascular events than those with physical inactivity. "The new findings could make an important contribution to assessing the preventive effectiveness of different training methods or intensities deliver. "Platelet-based studies could provide unprecedented opportunities to compare the effectiveness of various cardiovascular disease prevention programs directly and in the short-term," said research group leader Ivo Volf. (Ad)