Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO343

The Effect of Microgravity on Central Aortic Blood Pressure

Session Information

• Hypertension and CVD: Mechanisms - I
  October 26, 2018 | Location: Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Hypertension and CVD

• 1403 Hypertension and CVD: Mechanisms

Authors

• Seibert, Felix S., Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, Herne, Germany

Felix S. Seibert,

• Bernhard, Fabian, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, Herne, Germany

Fabian Bernhard,

• Stervbo, Ulrik, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, Herne, Germany

Ulrik Stervbo,

• Rohn, Benjamin, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, Herne, Germany

Benjamin Rohn,

• Pagonas, Nikolaos, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, Herne, Germany

Nikolaos Pagonas,

• Bauer, Frederic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, Herne, Germany

Frederic Bauer,

• Babel, Nina, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, Herne, Germany

Nina Babel,

• Jankowski, Joachim, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, BE, Germany

Joachim Jankowski,

• Westhoff, Timm H., Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, Herne, Germany

Timm H. Westhoff,

Background

Blood pressure has been traditionally measured at peripheral arteries. In the past decade evidence has grown, that central aortic blood pressure may be a more powerful predictor for cardiovascular events, but data on its regulation are rare. The present work examines the impact of microgravity on central blood pressure for the first time.

Methods

We performed seven parabolic flights with 22 seconds of weightlessness in each parabola. Hemodynamic parameters including central systolic blood pressure were measured non-invasively in a free-floating position in 20 healthy subjects (19-43 years of age).

Results

Arterial elasticity at rest was normal in all participants (augmentation index 14% [interquartile range IQR 10-22], pulse wave velocity 5.2 m/s [IQR 5.0-5.4]). Transition of 1g to 0g led to a significant increase of central systolic blood pressure from 124 (IQR 118-133) to 127 (IQR 119-133) mmHg (p=0.017). Cardiac index augmented significantly from 2.5 (IQR 2.2-2.8) to 2.7 (IQR 2.3-3.0) l/min/m2 (p<0.001), whilst peripheral vascular resistance showed a decrease from 1.30 (IQR 1.14-1.48) to 1.25 (IQR 1.15-1.40) s*mmHg/ml (p=0.037). Peripheral systolic blood pressure did not change significantly (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Whereas there is a multitude of studies on the effects of microgravity on peripheral blood pressure, this study provides first data on central aortic blood pressure. An acute loss of gravity leads to a central blood volume shift with an augmentation of cardiac output. In healthy subjects with normal arterial stiffness the compensatory decrease of peripheral resistance does not outweigh this effect resulting in an increase of central blood pressure.