[Physical training exercise reduces the plasma levels of fibrinogen in subjects with mild hypertension].

We evaluated the behaviour of plasma fibrinogen in subjects undergoing physical training in a prospective non-controlled open study, carried out in 14 sedentary, mildly hypertensive individuals (mean age 52 +/- 5 years). Subjects underwent 3 months of controlled physical training (3 times a week) tailored to reach, at each session, 80-90% of maximal heart rate based upon a baseline test. Before and after the period of training, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure, plasma fibrinogen, body mass index (BMI), maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), serum cholesterol and triglycerides were evaluated. After training VO2 max increased (24 +/- 5 vs 30 +/- 5 mL/Kg/min, p < 0.01); there were no variations in BMI (24 +/- 2 vs 23 +/- 2 Kg/m2, p = 0.35), cholesterol (220 +/- 30 vs 213 +/- 36 mg/dL, p = 0.41) or triglycerides (117 +/- 51 vs 118 +/- 37 mg/dL, p = 0.58). Resting systolic (148 +/- 10 vs 133 +/- 10 mmHg, p < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (97 +/- 5 vs 85 +/- 6 mmHg, p < 0.01) and 24-hour systolic (135 +/- 6 vs 129 +/- 5 mmHg, p < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (86 +/- 7 vs 81 +/- 6 mmHg, p < 0.01) decreased; plasma fibrinogen also decreased (324 +/- 60 vs 278 +/- 53 mg/dL, p < 0.01). Eight individuals tested 5 months after cessation of training, showed a return of fibrinogen, blood pressure and VO2 max to baseline values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)