Key result
Type II AV block or type I block with wide QRS should disbar aircrew from flying, whereas narrow QRS type I block may allow multi-crew operations after evaluation.
Why the study?
Long-term follow-up studies of subjects with type I second degree A-V block and narrow QRS complexes have produced conflicting results regarding whether the condition is benign or carries a high incidence of progression to symptomatic complete heart block.
Aircrew with type I second-degree AV block and narrow QRS may be fit for multi-crew operations after extensive evaluation, whereas those with type II block or type I with wide QRS should be disbarred from flying certification due to the high risk of progression to complete heart block.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May inform aeromedical certification for AV block subtypes; leaves open prospective validation of narrow-QRS type I progression risk.
Type II block, or type I block when associated with bundle branch block, carry a relatively high risk in terms of progression to higher degrees of A-V block. Long-term follow-up studies of subjects with type I block and narrow QRS complexes have however produced rather conflicting results. Some studies have indicated that the condition is benign whilst others have reported a high incidence of progression to symptomatic complete heart block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. Aircrew with type I second degree A-V block and narrow QRS complexes should undergo extensive evaluation but may be fit for multi-crew operations. The diagnosis of type II A-V block or type I block with wide QRS complexes should disbar from medical certification to fly.
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Bexton et al. (1984) conducted a review in Second degree atrioventricular block. Type II AV block or type I block with wide QRS should disbar aircrew from flying, whereas narrow QRS type I block may allow multi-crew operations after evaluation.
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