NASA: Space weather could increase CVD risk in astronauts

Daniel Allar | | Cardiovascular Business | Vascular & Endovascular

Ever thought a storm couldn’t get any worse? Try leaving the Earth’s atmosphere.

NASA’s Human Research Program is studying the effects of solar storms and their accompanying radiation on astronauts’ bodies as they travel to Mars. High-energy galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease among other negative health outcomes, according to a NASA research physicist.

"Solar storms can cause acute radiation sickness during space flight which has to be dealt with in real time,” Tony Slaba, PhD, said in a report published by NASA. “There's also an additional risk from exposure to GCRs which may cause central nervous system effects and delayed effects related to cancer and cardiovascular disease after the mission."

NASA is researching shielding design strategies, as well as pharmaceutical options, as ways to mitigate exposure from space weather.

Read the full report here:

NASA protects its super heroes from space weather

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Daniel Allar

Daniel joined TriMed’s Chicago editorial team in 2017 as a Cardiovascular Business writer. He previously worked as a writer for daily newspapers in North Dakota and Indiana.

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