Coronary heart disease: an expensive Air Force problem.
Death or disability from CHD is a major public health problem that costs the Air Force about $50 million annually. Statistically, 20% of 30,000 pilots in the Air Force could have a significant degree of coronary atherosclerosis. In-flight incapacitation due to "heart attack" is a real possibility. Fortunately, aircraft accidents related to coronary events have been very uncommon. The basic mechanisms leading to the development of CHD, a multifactorial condition, are not fully understood. The significance of various risk factors associated with an increased incidence  of CHD are discussed. It is hoped that preventive programs designed to identify, educate, and treat those at high risk will reduce the incidence of premature death and disability due to CHD. Two such programs (HEW's MRFIT and USAF's HEART) are briefly described. The costs, benefits, risks, sensitivity, and predictive value of tests available to detect CHD in asymptomatic individuals are outlined.
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk; D014481:United States