[Heart morphologic state in retired fighter pilots]

Space Med Med Eng (Beijing). 2000 Dec;13(6):440-3.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective. To study the heart morphology in the retired fighter pilots, and to provide clinical evidence for protection combined G-loads (+ Gz), heat, noise, hypoxic and vibration stress induced cardiac structural damage. Method. Parameters of heart morphology were studied using Doppler echocardiography in 40 retired fighter pilots with 40 veteran cadres as control. Result. LVDd, LVDs, LADs, LVEDV, LVPWs and LVM in pilot group were somewhat higher than those in control group (NS); while IVSs and LVMI in pilot group were slightly lower than those in control group (NS); LVESV, aortic valve area, internal diameter of the ring and sinus in pilot group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Analysis of the results revealed no pathomorphologic damage of the heart. It suggest that all the variations can be regarded as adaptive changes due to the effects of the combined environmental factors experienced in long time flying.

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration*
  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Aged
  • Aortic Valve / anatomy & histology
  • Aviation
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena*
  • China
  • Echocardiography, Doppler
  • Heart / anatomy & histology*
  • Heart / physiology
  • Hot Temperature
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel*
  • Noise, Transportation
  • Vibration