Cardiology and Medical Interventions

Of 12 moon walkers, James Irwin on day after return from Apollo 15 mission, showed extraordinary bicycle (B) stress

test (ST) hypertension (275/125) after 3 minutes exercise; supervising > 5000 maximum treadmill ST, author never

witnessed ST- blood pressure approaching this level. Symptom-limited maximum B stress test showed “cyanotic fingernails”;

possibly venous blood trapped peripherally, supporting author’s “Apollo 15 Space Syndrome,” postulating that severe fingertip

pain during space walks, triggered by plasma fluid, trapped distally; mechanism could be related to endothelial dysfunction,

providing “silent ischemia” warning. Neil Armstrong returned to Earth with severe diastolic hypertension (160/135), consistent

with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction; 50 mm increase in comparison with resting BP 110/85. With inhalation of lunar

dust, brought into habitat on space suit, with high lunar iron, this dust inhalation, along with reduced space flight- transferrin

and antioxidant, calcium (Ca) blocker-magnesium, conducive to severe oxidative stress, Ca overload with potential endothelial

injuries. Using moon walker studies as example, begs question as to whether we can apply this limited information regarding

highly toxic lunar dust in formulating concept i.e. role of dust-laden urban pollution in contributing to hypertension; IRON

dust from brakes may be responsible..