Regular leisure time physical activity predicts high activity of tissue plasminogen activator: The Northern Sweden MONICA Study

Background. Leisure time physical activity protects against the development of cardiovascular disease, partly by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight, Little is known about the effects of regular exercise on fibrinolytic variables in the population. Methods. In a population sample of 733 men and 774 women aged 25-64 years physical activity during leisure time was related to fibrinolytic variables. Results. The activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) increased linearly with greater physical activity, the difference between sedentary and most active subjects being 28.9% in men and 11.6% in women. The tPA mass concentrations decreased by 27.4% and 28.0% in men and women respectively, as did also plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) activity; 38.5% and 30.6%. Tests for trend were significant (P < 0.001) for all but tPA activity in women. Adjusting for age, body mass index and waist:hip ratio only slightly decreased these relationships. When taking triglyceride into account, tPA activity and PAI-1 activity (in men) were no longer significantly related to physical activity level but lower tPA mass concentrations and PAI-1 activity (in women) were still found in those who exercised regularly. Further adjustment for insulin levels abolished all differences, except for PAI-1 activity in women. Conclusion. Greater leisure time physical activity is associated with an increased fibrinolytic activity, This may contribute to less cardiovascular disease in subjects who exercise regularly.