MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN MILITARY AIRCREW AND SUITABILITY FOR RETURN TO FLYING

BACKGROUND: The US Air Force (USAF) has not previously had a policy for return to flying after MI for any aircrew position, although a policy for coronary artery revascularization has been available since 2002. This project investigated post MI prognosis from a former aircrew database and the medical literature to propose a new policy to return to flying after MI. METHODS: 1487 asymptomatic male military aircrew that had occupational coronary angiography between 1971 and 1999 were followed for cardiac events of cardiac death, nonfatal MI and coronary artery revascularization. MI was the first event in 57/1487 (3.8%); the date of first MI was then used as the index date for post-MI outcomes of cardiac death, nonfatal second MI or first coronary artery revascularization. Average annual event rates were calculated at 1, 2 and 5 years. Additionally, the medical literature was reviewed for MI's in young adults ( 50 y/o) regarding subsequent cardiac events.