Cardiovascular Effects of Exposure to Microgravity: A Literature Review.

Background: Space exploration has progressed significantly, with increased human presence in orbit, the development of space stations, and the planning of increasingly prolonged missions. However, the space environment poses substantial physiological challenges, particularly for the cardiovascular system. According to NASA's Human Research Program, the five primary risks associated with human spaceflight are: (1) microgravity, (2) ionizing cosmic radiation, (3) isolation and confinement, (4) closed environmental systems, and (5) the great distance from Earth.

Summary: The cardiovascular system is among the most extensively studied in aerospace medicine due to the adaptive responses it undergoes in microgravity. Documented changes include altered blood flow dynamics, disturbances in electrical conduction, and structural effects on the myocardium. These may result in variations in heart rate, blood volume, and endothelial function, as well as a potential predisposition to long-term cardiovascular events.

Key messages: Evidence from studies involving astronauts, animal models, and ground-based simulations has enhanced our understanding of these mechanisms, enabling the development of preventive strategies. These findings noy only contribute to the safety and success of future space missions but also provide valuable insights into cardiovascular diseases on Earth, potentially informing novel therapeutic approaches.