1. Navigating Coronary Artery Disease in Aviation Cardiology in Australia and New Zealand.
- Author
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Paratz ED, Sprott T, Preitner C, Anbalagan G, Manderson K, and Hochberg T
- Subjects
- Humans, New Zealand epidemiology, Australia epidemiology, Aerospace Medicine methods, Aviation, Pilots, Coronary Artery Disease diagnosis, Coronary Artery Disease therapy, Coronary Artery Disease epidemiology, Cardiology
- Abstract
Background: Cardiologists will commonly assess patients who hold an aviation medical certificate and require unique assessments and communications with national civil aviation authorities (in Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority [CASA] and in New Zealand, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand [CAA NZ]). Cardiac conditions are the most common reason for disqualification from holding an aviation licence, and coronary artery disease is considered a high-risk condition for pilot incapacitation., Aim: To provide a contemporary update on the aeromedical approach to the evaluation, detection, and management of coronary artery disease in an Australasian context., Methods: A narrative view of current and historical practice in the area of aeromedical evaluation of coronary disease was undertaken., Results: This review highlights the aeromedical approach to risk stratification and specific challenges of the aviation environment for patients with coronary artery disease. Scenarios of coronary artery disease screening, common and rare acute coronary syndromes, and the assessment of established coronary artery disease are examined in detail. Suggestions to facilitate communications between specialists and CASA or CAA NZ to facilitate patient re-certification are also provided., Conclusion: Patients who are pilots have unique requirements in terms of their coronary assessment, management, and follow-up to maintain eligibility to fly. It is important for cardiologists to be aware of relevant occupational requirements to provide optimal care to their patients., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest Nil direct. Concepts discussed within this paper are accurate at time of publication and represent broad consensus only. Recommendations should not be represented as being the CASA’s or the CAA’s positions at law in the case of any individual patients., (Crown Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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