Clinical evaluation of treadmill exercise test in 662 pilot cases

Abstract

Objective To assess the clinical value of treadmill exercise test(TET) in diagnosis pilots' of ischemic heart disease, and to assess the value of TET in medical evaluation. Methods Pilots' TET results in the last 10 years were reviewed. Data were divided into retrofit group, annual physicat examination group and disease group by different examination purpose. According to different involved systems patients in each group were divided furthermore. The positive ratios of TET in different groups were compared. The positive ratio of TET and medical assessment together with uhrasonocardiogram and coronary angiography were analyzed in different age groups. Results There were 22 positive cases and 32 probable positive cases. There were significant differences of positive ratio of TET among retrofit group, annual physical examination group and disease group (P< 0. 01), also among different disease groups and among different age groups (P<0.01). Thirteen suspicious coronary artery disease cases were examined by coronary angiography. Among which one case was diagnosed as coronary artery-pulmonary artery fistula congenital anomaly while the other two were appeared coronary artery stenosis in various degree. All three were disqualified for flying. Conclusions The incidence rate of coronary artery disease of pilots is relatively lower. Although the TET has a certain clinical value in preliminary screening of coronary heart disease in pilots, but it should be undertaken together with the considerations of age and clinical symptoms in order to increase the clinical benefit-cost ratio. Key words: Exercise test; Coronary disease; Physical examination; Eligibility determination