THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM AND ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE IN AIRCRAFT PILOTS.

Area of Science:

• Aviation Medicine
• Cardiology
• Aerospace Physiology

Background:

• Coronary artery disease poses a risk to pilots, potentially leading to fatal in-flight events.
• The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) implemented an electrocardiographic (ECG) program for aircrew assessment.
• Pilot training is a significant investment, necessitating effective health screening methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effectiveness of the RCAF's ECG program for aircrew selection.
• To assess the utility of ECG in detecting asymptomatic coronary artery disease in pilots.
• To evaluate the incidence of aircraft accidents attributed to coronary disease in aircrew.

Main Methods:

• Review of the RCAF's established electrocardiographic (ECG) screening and detection program.
• Analysis of reported cases of pilot fatalities linked to coronary artery disease.
• Examination of routine ECG's role in assessing flying fitness and identifying asymptomatic conditions.

Main Results:

• Routine electrocardiography (ECG) has demonstrated significant value in selecting aircrew.
• ECG is the most sensitive method for detecting asymptomatic coronary artery disease in flying personnel.
• Aircraft accidents due to coronary disease are rare, attributed to rigorous medical supervision.

Conclusions:

• The RCAF's electrocardiographic (ECG) program is highly effective for aircrew selection and coronary disease detection.
• Routine ECG screening contributes substantially to aviation safety by identifying at-risk individuals.
• Comprehensive medical surveillance, including ECG, minimizes the risk of aircraft accidents from cardiac events.