Cardiology and Medical Interventions

Neil Armstrong syndrome applies both to Earth with common magnesium (Mg) deficits and with Mg deficits invariably

occurring in Space (S); this can trigger acute temporary heart failure i.e., (catecholamine (C) cardiomyopathy). Whereas

the normal CO2 levels on Earth are 0.03% in S, during the Euro Mir 94 missions, levels over 10 times higher (0.5-0.7% CO2).

It has been postulated that there is, with S flight, an intracellular shift of calcium (Ca) conducive to vasospasm and damage to

mitochondria. Mg is a Ca blocker and strong antioxidant and is required for thermoregulation with loss of Mg in sweat and

renal Mg loss and dehydration; this will increase potential for heart failure and hypertension. C levels in S are twice supine

levels on Earth. Armstrong, during his last 20 lunar minutes, notified Houston twice during a 4 minute interval that he was

“short of breath” along with heart rates up to 160; tachycardia will intensify oxidative stress in S from Mg ion deficits, high C,

high free fatty acids and vicious cycles. This syndrome has severe dyspnea, severe thirst, severe tachycardia corrected by fluid

replenishment, applies to Earth as well; it would be more likely to occur in post-menopausal women with 90% of cases of C

cardiomyopathy reported in this group, marathoners particularly at the finish line and those in the tropics, particularly with

water shortages. It is likely to be corrected, relatively quickly either by intravenous fluids or a subcutaneous Mg injection.