Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
Published on: February 12, 2021
Waivers for cardiovascular diseases in military aircrew: differences between Japanese and U.S. protocols
Tetsuya Hisada1, Takashi Miyagawa, Tetsuya Tsujimoto
1Department of Cardiology, National Defense Medical College, Namiki 3-2, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan. hisadat@ndmc.ac.jp
Introduction:
Cardiovascular diseases can cause sudden incapacitation in aircrew. Cardiological diagnosis and therapy have changed a great deal in recent decades, as with coronary revascularization, including percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting for coronary artery disease, and electrophysiological studies and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for sustained arrhythmias. Physicians need to be able to make appropriate, objective recommendations regarding cardiovascular diseases in an aeromedical waiver system.
Methods:
We analyzed all 95 waiver cases regarding cardiovascular diseases in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), 1980-2007, and compared them to policies in the United States Air Force (USAF).
Results:
The JASDF and the USAF handle most conditions similarly, although there are differences regarding coronary revascularization, atrial fibrillation, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The JASDF used RFCA more commonly for the treatment of aircrew with atrial fibrillation and nsVT Although routine follow-up with electrophysiological studies is no longer indicated for Wolff-Parkinson-White and atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia in USAF policy, the JASDF still conducts reevaluation for all RFCA cases.
Conclusion:
This study made recommendations to improve the JASDF waiver system for cardiovascular diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Bioequivalence studies: Biowaivers
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
