The electrocardiographic response to high +Gz centrifuge training

The electrocardiographic (ECG) responses of 59 asymptomatic, healthy flight surgeons to the acceleration profiles included in current U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy high-G centrifuge training programs are documented. ECG dysrhythmias were frequently observed during exposure to both gradual and rapid onset training profiles. Short self-limited episodes of ventricular tachycardia occurred in 5 subjects. Advanced Lown grade ventricular ectopy occurred in 13 subjects. The type of cardiac ectopy and the frequency of occurrence for each of the training profiles is described. The results suggest that significant ectopy frequently occurs during exposure of healthy, asymptomatic individuals to centrifuge training profiles. Since aircrew are expected to undergo high +Gz as part of their usual flying duties, ECG monitoring during high-G centrifuge training has not universally been a required part of the training exposures. Aircrew have not always accepted ECG monitoring during centrifuge training, fearing detection of certain cardiac dysrhythmias, which current aeromedical standards consider disqualifying for continued flying duties without clinical aeromedical evaluation. Based on the results of this study, and previous documentation of the occurrence of significant +Gz-induced cardiac dysrhythmias (both in flight and on the centrifuge), ECG monitoring might be considered appropriate to ensure optimum medical safety during high-G centrifuge training. The current inconsistency between 1) not monitoring ECG because of the aeromedical standards for flying qualification relating to the ECG response to +Gz stress, and 2) the need to monitor ECG to assure optimum safety during centrifuge training, deserves resolution.