Screening and Interpretation Rules for Resting Electrocardiograms in Polish Air Force Aircrew

The resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the basic screening tests used in assessing fitness for military service and in periodic examinations of professional soldiers. Its purpose is to reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by early detection of cardiac pathologies predisposing to sudden cardiac arrest. Commonly used electrocardiographic standards do not perform well in screening, accounting for the recognition of a large number of abnormalities unrelated to structural heart disease.

A comprehensive literature review was performed using electronic databases such as PubMed®, Google Scholar, and relevant aerospace medical journals. The search focused on keywords, including "screening ECG," "electrocardiographic criteria," "military aircrew," and "aviation medicine." Articles that discussed ECG interpretation rules and the implementation of screening protocols in military aircrew were included. The review also involved an examination of guidelines and policies from major aviation regulatory bodies.

This review includes information on topics relevant to the application of 12-lead ECG in screening diagnostics, such as general ECG interpretation criteria, limitations of ECG as a screening tool, objectives of ECG-based screening, and past experiences with the use of screening ECG in athletes within the context of military medicine.

We discuss various criteria for the interpretation of screening ECG in athletes and soldiers to increase the specificity of this test. We also present a proposal for a system of criteria for interpreting ECGs in aircrew of the Polish Air Force, which may help improve the detection of cardiac pathologies in this professional group. Kurek MA, Rola M. Screening and interpretation rules for resting electrocardiograms in Polish Air Force aircrew. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(2):135-142.