Biography
Biography: William J. Rowe
Abstract
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..