Effects of exercise on platelet function, coagulation, and fibrinolysis.

Exercise and physical conditioning may reduce the subsequent risk of major vascular thrombotic events. In view of this, it may be important to examine the effects of exercise on the blood coagulation system. The present paper reviews the effects of physical exercise and conditioning on blood coagulation, platelet function, and fibrinolytic activity. A hypothetical scheme is developed, in which increased blood coagulability and activated platelet function is counterbalanced by increased fibrinolytic activity and endothelial prostacyclin release. Some consideration is given to how this sequence of events may be altered in vascular disease states.