Impaired heart conduction in pilots of civil aviation of the older age group

Abstract

Prevalence, structure and clinical significance of conduction disturbances was studied according to the electrocardiography findings in 1189 older pilots in aged 55 years and older, who were to the Central Civil Aviation Hospital (Moscow) and examined on the regular bases. Resting electrocardiogram was recorded in all subjects according to generally accepted methods. Heart conduction disorders were detected in 16,9% of pilots of the older age group. More common were intraventricular conduction disturbances - 13,7% of cases, atrioventricular conduction disturbances were recorded less often- 1,8% of cases, and their combination was even less common - 0,6% of cases. Cardiac conduction abnormalities as part of another electrocardiogram syndromes were noted in 10 (0,8%) peoples. Older civil aviation pilots are characterized a lower frequency of electrocardiogram changes compared to a general population of the same age in the Russian Federation. The signs of cardiac conduction disturbances on the electrocardiogram in civil aviation pilots did not always lead to unfitness to fly. The evaluation of fitness to flight in some electrocardiogram deviations is depend of the presence or absence of cardiovascular disease, functional condition of the cardiovascular system and the data of additional examination methods. Diagnosis of heart rhythm and conduction disorders is important in assessing the state of the circulatory system, especially in flight personnel. Timely detection of cardiac conduction disorders in civil aviation pilots is essential for maintaining medical safety, especially in older people. Electrocardiography is performed as an initial method for assessing the state of the conducting heart system in civil aviation pilots.

Keywords

electrocardiography / conduction disturbances in older civil aviation pilots / assessment of medical fitness to flight / bundle branch block / atrioventricular conduction disturbances

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Kuzmina A.Y., Blaginin A.A., Fisun A.Y.