10 Gy total body irradiation increases risk of coronary sclerosis, degeneration of heart structure and function in a rat model

Abstract

TBI with 10 Gy, a dose relevant to radiological terrorist threats, worsened lipid profile, injured coronary microvasculature, altered endothelial physiology and myocardial mechanics. These changes were not manifest with local thorax irradiation. Non-thoracic circulating factors may be promoting radiation-induced injury to the heart.