Microgravity Changes detected by Carotid Hemodynamic Monitoring in Astronauts

A study assessed continuous hemodynamic monitoring's viability for space missions, emphasizing the need to monitor venous hemodynamics due to microgravity's impact. Machine learning analyzed pulse wave data from astronauts' carotid arteries and jugular veins before and after a 17-day mission, effectively classifying three hemodynamic waveform variants that change in prevalence following microgravity exposure compared to preflight baseline. Jugular vein changes were more pronounced than arterial (p=0.02 vs. p=0.06). Significant differences in the diastole waveform shape between the baseline prevalent waveform variant and that of the prevalent waveform following exposure were observed (p<0.00001). Further studies are needed to assess venous monitoring for astronaut health on space missions.