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| Individual Susceptibility to Postflight Orthostatic Intolerance (Tilt Test) |
| DSO 496 |
| Overview |
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It is well known that space flight alters cardiovascular function significantly. One of the most important changes negatively affecting flight operations and crew safety is the postflight loss of orthostatic tolerance, which causes astronauts to have difficulty walking independently and induces lightheadedness or fainting. These may impair their ability to leave the orbiter after it lands. Susceptibility to postflight orthostatic hypotension is highly individual; some astronauts are affected very little and others have severe symptoms. This DSO will test the hypothesis that orthostatic hypotension is caused, in part, by gender-related differences in the autonomic regulation of arterial pressure and changes in autonomic function brought on by space flight. |
Editorial/Technical Comments: ShuttlePresskit
