title: The measurement of risk indicators for coronary heart disease in air traffic control officers: a screening study in a healthy population.
abstract: We describe an attempt to improve the predictive value of the routine annual medical examination of Air Traffic Control Officers by extending its scope. In addition to the four well-recognised coronary heart disease risk indicators--age, smoking habit, family history of coronary heart disease, and systolic blood pressure--we measured plasma fibrinogen, serum total, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Relative risk of coronary heart disease was assessed for each subject using a multiple logistic equation, and then compared with a large matched control. There were no statistical differences between the risk factors in the two groups. The factors measured do not support the view that air traffic control produces an increased risk of coronary heart disease, despite the alleged connection between stress and coronary heart disease. However, the gradient of risk within the air traffic control population should be evaluated in those at highest risk.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001359:Aviation; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D010808:Physical Examination; D012306:Risk; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D005340:Fibrinogen; D002784:Cholesterol