Atrial Fibrillation in Flying Personnel

Sixty cases of atrial fibrillation from the USAF flying population are reported. Follow-up information in 59 subjects averaged 41.2 months. Only three cases of persistent atrial fibrillation were detected and two of these had normal sinus rhythm prior to the onset of atrial fibrillation. There were 21 cases of recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 36 cases of isolated acute atrial fibrillation associated with a variety of precipitating factors. Thyrotoxicosis was notable by its absence in any of these cases of atrial fibrillation. Symptomatology either related to the primary disorder precipitating atrial fibrillation or secondary to the arrhythmia itself was frequently observed. The hemodynamic effects of atrial fibrillation on cardiac output, and cerebral artery spasm with diminished cerebral blood flow are important aeromedical considerations.