Aviation Epidemiology Data Register: Coronary Angiography Outcomes of Civilian Aviators Flying U.S. Aircraft
Abstract
All Army aviators participate in a cardiovascular disease screening program. Five percent of Army aviators are civilian. The U.S. Army Aviation Center requested a review of cardiovascular disease screening outcomes among this subgroup of aviators. The AEDR was queried to determine the coronary angiography outcomes of civilian aviators who failed levels 1 and 2 of cardiovascular disease screening program during the period 1988 to 1992. Among 847 civilian aviators, 364 failed level 1 cardiovascular disease screening due to elevated risk factors for coronary artery disease. Among the 364, 289 passed level 2 screening with a normal exercise treadmill tent and a normal cardiac fluoroscopy. The remaining 75 failed level 2 by having an abnormal exercise treadmill tent and/or an abnormal cardiac fluoroscopy. These 75 were referred for further diagnostic testing in levels 3 and 4. the 55 aviators undergoing coronary angiography, 17 had normal coronary arteries, 14 had uncomplicated minimal coronary artery disease, 3 had complicated minimal coronary artery disease, and 21 had significant coronary artery occlusions. Eight other aviators had advanced heart conditions other than coronary artery disease, such as cardiomyopathy. Of 36 aviators with documented significant cardiovascular disease, 32 (88.9 percent) denied symptoms when their disease was detected by the screening program. They were referred for clinical, and in some cases, emergent care.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA285191
Entities
People
- Kevin T. Mason
- Samuel G. Shannon
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab