Cardiovascular Physiology and Fluid Shifts in Space

Abstract

Central nervous system vasculature (venous and arterial blood) and the cerebrospinal fluid dynamics are predominant systems which are hugely affected during spaceflight by many factors such as radiation and microgravity. Therefore, the human body should adapt by various mechanisms in such an environment. In this chapter, we will highlight the normal physiology and dynamics of cardiovascular system on Earth and how the body adapt in the long- and short-term space flights, in addition to the importance of these adaptations to the central nervous system and discuss common syndromes such as space adaptation syndrome and visual impairment intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome that may affect the mission quality, and effective countermeasures to mitigate these effects such as artificial gravity and lower body negative pressure (LBNP).