[The progress on +Gz stress-induced injuries of the cardiac structure and function and their mechanisms]

The heart is the dynamic pump of the circulation. To some extent, high +Gz acceleration exposure can result in injuries on cardiac ultrastructure, metabolism and function. Specifically, repeated +Gz exposures can produce harmful effects on aviators, as reported by French and American researchers. However, the mechanisms of injuries on heart under high +Gz stress have not been studied systematically till now; nor have some protective measures been adopted. In this article, acute and chronic +Gz stress induced injuries on cardiac structure and function in animals and detrimental effects on the hearts of pilots are reviewed. Moreover, the related mechanisms are also explained basing on stress injury, oxidative stress and genetic regulation.