Doppler evaluation of cardiac filling and ejection properties in humans during parabolic flight

Abstract

The cardiac filling and ejection properties of seven normal human subjects were examined during microgravity created on a National Aeronautics and Space Administration aircraft during parabolic flight. Doppler echocardiography was used to measure intracardiac velocities in sitting and supine subjects during three phases of flight: hypergravity (phase I), early microgravity (phase III), and late microgravity (phase IV). Heart rate declined 6% (P < 0.001) and right ventricular inflow velocities rose (46%, early; 26%, mean; P < 0.01) between phase I and phases III or IV in the sitting position only. Peak left ventricular outflow velocities rose 12% and inflow velocities rose (13%, early; 20%, mean) between phases I and IV while subjects were in the supine position (P < 0.05). A 14% rise in early velocities alone was seen between phases I and IV while subjects were in the sitting position (P < 0.05). In subjects entering microgravity while sitting, right heart chambers can accept additional venous return. When microgravity was entered while subjects were supine, however, venous augmentation was not observed. Left heart filling was more prominently enhanced when microgravity was entered while subjects were supine, suggesting a shift of fluid within the pulmonary vasculature.