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Cardiovascular examinations and observations of deconditioning during the space shuttle orbital flight test program.
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1983
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HypertensionHeart FailureElectrolyte DisorderPhysiological StatusBlood PressurePhysiological ResearchApplied PhysiologyCardiologyCardiovascular ExaminationsHealth SciencesCardiovascular ImagingMicrogravity EnvironmentSpace Environment EffectsSpace Flight EnvironmentBioastronauticsHuman PhysiologyCardiovascular DiseasePhysiologyCardiovascular PhysiologyAnesthesiaMedicineAnesthesiology
During the first four space shuttle flights, cardiovascular data were collected on each crewmember to meet operational medicine requirements for crew health and safety. A quantitative cardiovascular index of deconditioning (CID) was derived to aid clinicians in assessing crew health. Blood pressure and electrocardiographic monitoring were used to estimate the degree of deconditioning caused by microgravity. Isotonic saline partially reversed orthostatic intolerance, and reentry may be arrhythmogenic in at least one individual.
During the first four flights of the space shuttle, cardiovascular data were obtained on each crewmember as part of the operational medicine requirements for crew health and safety. From monitoring blood pressure and electrocardiographic data, it was possible to estimate the degree of deconditioning imposed by exposure to the microgravity environment. For this purpose, a quantitative cardiovascular index of deconditioning (CID) was derived to aid the clinician in his assessment. Isotonic saline was then investigated as a countermeasure against orthostatic intolerance and found to be effective in partially reversing the hemodynamic consequences. It was observed that the space flight environment of reentry might potentially be arrhythmogenic in at least one individual.