Background Hypertension is a common disease among pilots. However, limited clinical evaluation and reseach on flying safety in military pilots using antihypersive drug have been performed.
Objective To study flying safety of pilots with hypertension using antihypertensive drug and perform an aviation medical evaluation.
Methods Twenty eight pilots with hypertension who admitted to the Air Force Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from 2010 to 2018 were enrolled in our study. Cardiac risk and target organ damage were assessed, and they were treated according to different cardiac risk stratification. When blood pressure was controlled, clinical physiology and flight ability were assessed. Then, they were followed up for clinical observation after qualified for flying.
Results The pilots were all male, aged 31-54 years old. The types of aircraft included transporter, bomber and helicopter. After taking perindopril, valsartan, dihydrochlorothiazide, or amlodipine besylate, the pilots’ blood pressure returned to normal range. After 3 to 6 months temporary grounding observation, they were qualified for flying and followed up for clinical observation until December 2019, with a follow-up flight time of 100-3000 hours. Their flight endurances were good. Eleven cases had been followed up to their upper age limits for flying.
Conclusion It is feasible to use antihypertensive drugs for pilots with hypertension in non-high performance aircraft.
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