Arterial structure and function during and after long-duration spaceflight
Stuart M. C. Lee, L. Christine Ribeiro, David S. Martin, Sara R. Zwart, Alan H. Feiveson, Steven S. Laurie, Brandon R. Macias, Brian Crucian, Stephanie Krieger, Daniela Weber, Tilman Grune, Steven H. Platts, Scott M. Smith, Michael B. Stenger
Abstract
Carotid artery structure and stiffness did not change on average in astronauts during long-duration spaceflight (<12 mo), despite increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Most oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers returned to preflight levels soon after landing. Brachial artery structure and function also were unchanged by spaceflight. In this group of healthy middle-aged male and female astronauts, spaceflight in low Earth orbit does not appear to increase long-term cardiovascular health risk.