Haemostasis and fibrinolysis after regular high-intensity interval training in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Materials and methods Patients with CAD were randomised 1:1 to a supervised high-intensity exercise training programme or standard care for 12 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. Platelet aggregation was evaluated with the Multiplate Analyser, thrombin generation using the calibrated automated thrombogram and fibrinolysis employing a clot lysis assay.Results A total of 169 stable patients with CAD were randomised, and 142 patients (67±9 years, 83% males) completed the study; 64 in the exercise group and 78 in the standard care group. All but one patients received single antiplatelet therapy. From baseline to 12 weeks postintervention (Δ), no significant between-group differences were found in adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation (Δ−15 aggregation units (AU), AU×min, 95% CI −70 to 40 in the exercise group and Δ−26 AU×min, 95% CI −77 to 26 in the standard care group, p=0.44); endogenous thrombin potential (medians: Δ−5%, 95% CI −12 to 3 in the exercise group and Δ−6%, 95% CI −13 to 1 in the standard care group, p=0.26); nor in 50% clot lysis time (medians: Δ−9%, 95% CI −23 to 7 in the exercise group and Δ−17%, 95% CI −29 to −3 in the standard care group, p=0.60).Conclusions Twelve weeks of high-intensity whole-body endurance exercise did not affect platelet aggregation, thrombin generation or fibrinolysis in patients with stable CAD.Trial registration number NCT04268992.