Effects of Microgravity on Central Aortic Pressure During Parabolic Flights

Effects of Microgravity on Central Aortic Pressure During Parabolic Flights

Cardiovascular events remain the main cause of death of the industrialized world (Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2010. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2011). Arterial hypertension, hyperlipoproteinemia, smoking, diabetes and family history represent the main cardiovascular risk factors. Arteriosclerosis leads to coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular insufficiency and peripheral vascular diseases that reflect in myocardial infarction and stroke.

The main objective of this experiment is to investigate the differential effect of microgravity on central aortic blood pressure.

The main criterion is the central aortic pressure (measured in mmHg). The hypothesis is that microgravity leads to an increased central aortic pressure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy volunteers (men or women)
• Aged from 18 to 65
• Affiliated to a Social Security system and, for non-French resident, holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Who accepted to take part in the study
• Who have given their written stated consent
• Who has passed a medical examination similar to a standard aviation medical examination for private pilot aptitude (JAR FCL3 Class 2 medical examination). There will be no additional test performed for subject selection.

Subjects will be staff member of the team or of other teams participating in the parabolic flight campaign.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Person who took part in a previous biomedical research protocol, of which exclusion period is not terminated
• Treated or non-treated arterial hypertension
• History of cardiovascular disease
• Pregnant women