An appraisal of cardiovascular standards for Australian civilian flying licences.

This paper summarises recommendations drawn up at a meeting of a group of Cardiologists and Aviation Medical personnel to review cardiovascular standards for Australian Civil Flying Licences. Major recommendations were in the field of ischemic heart disease which remains the commonest cause of disqualification. The panel recommended consideration of coronary risk factors and increased attention to the high risk group as a preventive measure for loss of licence. Licensing, with appropriate safeguards and continued supervision, was considered permissible in carefully selected subjects with ischemic heart disease. Guidelines were also drawn up for various licence categories for subjects with valvular heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, implanted pacemakers, cardiomyopathy and hypertension.