Age trends in the cardiovascular dynamics of aircrewmen.

Age trends in the cardiovascular dynamics of 51 aircrewmen were investigated by means of noninvasive techniques. A statistically significant (p less than 0.01) decline in the ability of their hearts to accelerate blood was found to accompany advancing age. This trend was stronger than the rise in blood pressure found in the group, and known to occur in all aging populations. Assessment of cardiovascular aging in this way may provide new information necessary for the revision of the present mandatory retirement age for airline pilots.