About Myths and Facts in the Cardiovascular System of the Giraffe

Being the tallest living animals, giraffes are endowed with a mean arterial pressure (MAP) twice as high as other mammals, including humans. The high pressure of the giraffe cardiovascular system undoubtedly causes serious challenges to both the heart and the systemic vasculature. Mechanisms must have evolved to protect the giraffe cardiovascular system from the adverse effects of a high MAP. The present thesis aims to unveil some of the protective mechanisms in the cardiovascular system in the giraffe and to gain knowledge of the evolutionary adaptations accompanying the highest known MAP of any mammals.