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Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Scores in Astronauts
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
|July 11, 2025
Summary
Spaceflight may increase coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, particularly in older astronauts, suggesting a link between bone loss and cardiovascular changes. Further research is needed to confirm this association.
Area of Science:
- Space medicine
- Cardiovascular research
- Bone metabolism
Background:
- Previous models linked chronic inflammation-induced bone resorption to coronary artery calcification.
- Investigated if microgravity-induced bone loss, similar to disuse, contributes to coronary artery calcium accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between spaceflight, bone density changes, and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores.
- To determine if bone calcium accumulation occurs in astronauts due to microgravity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a NASA database of 52 astronauts.
- Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores measured pre- and post-spaceflight (5-year interval).
- Bone density assessed before, and at 10 days and 1 year after spaceflight.
Main Results:
- 38.5% of astronauts showed changes in CAC scores, with 95% increasing post-flight.
- Astronauts with changing CAC scores were significantly older.
- Both groups experienced acute bone loss, with partial recovery within a year.
Conclusions:
- A potential link exists between spaceflight-induced bone loss and increased coronary artery calcium.
- Synchronized measurements of CAC and bone density are recommended for future studies.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the mechanisms and implications for astronaut health.
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