Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Brottrager, J.
Anatomical and Physiological Changes to the Heart in Microgravity and Simulated Microgravity: A Literature Review
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2018. pp. 76
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Goswami Nandu
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction: Spaceflight has long been known to effect the human body. Long term missions into orbit and the space stations have led to skeletal muscle and bone density loss. Knowledge about other, less well researched physiological systems, is less profound and needs further research. The cardiovascular system being one of them. Objective: This thesis investigated how microgravity and simulated microgravity effect the human heart’s physiology and anatomy and how these changes could pose a risk for future long term space flight missions. Methods: The literature was searched for studies looking at studies researching cardiac health in (simulated) microgravity. Keywords such as “Heart”, “Spaceflight”, “Weightlessness” or “Simulated Microgravity” were used. Primary and secondary sources were searched as well as standard textbooks in anatomy and physiology. Cardiac parameters and vital signs as well as possible countermeasures to these effects where identified and analyzed. Results: There is little textbook knowledge so far about the effects of microgravity. Because only about her 600 people have been to space ground based simulation is required to research long term effect. Head Down Bed Rest has proven the most applicable simulation technique. The literature search turned out about 90 papers on adaptations and changes to the heart due to (simulated) microgravity exposure. Like all other physiological systems the heart is effected by spaceflight. Cardiac performance and blood pressure are maintained throughout spaceflight missions and upon returning to earth. The main risk from spaceflight is post-flight orthostatic intolerance. This could be a result of plasma volume changes and cardiac remodeling. Little data supports the notion that cardiac compliance and contractility are effected by spaceflight. Conclusions: While deleterious effects of microgravity exposure to the human heart cannot be entirely excluded, the studies indicate no severe damage to structure and function of the heart. A deeper understanding of cardiac adaptation mechanisms in space is desirable, however deterioration of other physiological systems, especially the musculoskeletal system, poses a greater threat to spaceflight missions.