2024, Volume 30, Issue 2
ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN MILITARY AIRCREW: AN ANALYSIS OF MEDICAL MANAGEMENT AND CERTIFICATION REGULATIONS IN POLAND
MAGDALENA ROLA1, MICHAŁ A. KUREK2, ŁUKASZ DZIUDA3
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1Military Aviation Medical Board
2Department of Internal Diseases, Cardiology and Metabolic Disorders, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine
3Department of Psychophysiological Measurements and Human Factor Research, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine
Autor korenspondencyjny: MAGDALENA ROLA; Military Aviation Medical Board; email: mrola@wiml.waw.pl
Streszczenie
Introduction: Hypertension is one of the most common lifestyle disease and is also observed among military flying personnel. Service factors such as G-forces, stress, and circadian rhythm disturbances may contribute to its development. The aim of this study is to discuss the current principles of diagnosis, treatment, and medical certification related to arterial hypertension in military flying personnel in Poland.
Methods: This paper presents a review of the scientific literature and an analysis of medical certification data from the Military Aviation Medical Board for 2024, covering four groups of aviation personnel. The study takes into account applicable regulations, current clinical guidelines, and pharmacotherapy protocols used in the assessment of aeromedical fitness.
Results: Among the 1,575 certifications analysed, arterial hypertension was diagnosed in 2.44% of jet pilots and up to 7.17% of cabin crew. All individuals were cleared to return to service following the implementation of pharmacological treatment.
Discussion: Effective pharmacotherapy enables the majority of personnel to continue service. In military aviation, ACE inhibitors, sartans, and thiazide diuretics are the preferred medications. The use of beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers in high-manoeuvre pilots is limited due to their impact on G-force tolerance.
Conclusions: Early diagnosis, appropriate drug selection, and effective blood pressure control are essential for maintaining aeromedical fitness. ABPM monitoring improves diagnostic accuracy. Individual clinical assessment remains the basis for certification decisions and operational safety.
Słowa kluczowe
arterial hypertension, flying personnel, prevention, pharmacotherapy, military certification