6-month resistance training eases platelet activation in hypertensive women

Resistance training is effective in reducing platelet aggregation by modulating the purinergic system in hypertensive women, suggests a recent study, which shows an association between purinergic signaling and platelet activation in hypertension.

“Purinergic signaling has a central role in platelet aggregation. Although ATP and ADP can act as a proaggregant agent, adenosine inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces vascular injury. Physical exercise exhibits antiaggregant properties and can modulate [the] purinergic system,” the authors said.

Thirty-one hypertensive and 28 normotensive middle-aged sedentary women underwent 6 months of resistance training. The authors then assessed purinergic enzyme activities in platelets and measured ATP and Tromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels in serum. They also measured blood pressure (BP) levels, body mass index (BMI), and body fat. All variables were statistically analysed.

Resistance training for 6 months led to a significant reduction in BP, ATP, and TXB2 levels, as well as NTPDase, ecto-5’nucleotidase, and ADA activities, among hypertensive women.

Purinergic system components and TXB2 in platelets were similar between the hypertensive and normotensive groups after 6 months of resistance training. This indicated that resistance training successfully modulated platelet activation. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between BP, enzyme activities, and levels of ATP and TXB2.

“Essential arterial hypertension is a risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and arterial aneurysm, which are related to the activation of platelets,” the authors said.