The more astronauts fly into space, the easier it is to die from heart disease

The first in-depth study of the long-term effects of space travel shows that 43% of astronaut deaths are due to cardiovascular problems.

New research published in Scientific Reports is the first study to delve into the long-term effects of travel in space. Scientists point out that the effects of cosmic radiation cause higher mortality rates associated with heart disease.

The team looked at 42 astronauts belonging to NASA's Apollo and Gemini mission after returning to Earth to draw a final conclusion.

Of the 35 astronauts staying in Earth's low orbit for about 15 days, nearly one in 10 died from cardiovascular disease. But about 3/7 (43%) of astronauts travel far in space because of Apollo's death due to cardiovascular problems. This ratio is about 4-5 times higher than astronauts only entering the Earth's low orbit in the same time and nearly double the mortality rate of cardiovascular disease of the general public.

Cosmic radiation is thought to be the main cause of high risk of death from heart disease in astronauts - (Photo: Reuters).

This indicates that venturing beyond the planet's protective magnetic field , a person's cardiovascular system can be seriously affected. In fact, scientists believe that exposure to radiation and weightlessness alter the structure of blood vessels has led to heart disease.

In a controlled study, scientists gave a few lab rats in a weightless and radiation environment and found that the second factor increased the threat to the cardiovascular system more than with any other factor. The weightless environment does not seem to cause any long-term harm to cardiovascular health.

Research is considered important because today, private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are planning to do business, allowing customers to travel space. And NASA is planning to carry out the mission to bring people to Mars. Michael Delp, the author of the project, said "no one has ever considered their long-term health consequences." This study is like a warning.

The more astronauts operate in space, the greater the death rate from heart disease - (photo: wonderopolis).

Former NASA astronaut Jeff Hoffman shared that when it comes to a space mission, speed is an important factor . He argued that astronauts cannot completely resist high-energy radiation in space, especially with their current capabilities, but the less time they spend in space, the less they are exposed to radiation. .

Jeff Hoffman added that health checks are important for astronauts. He himself takes great care of NASA every year for periodic comprehensive health checks. And NASA can monitor the astronauts' hearts and seek to reduce the risk of premature death due to their cardiovascular problems.