Acceleration Tolerance of Asymptomatic Aircrew with Mitral Valve Prolapse

摘要

Seventy-eight asymptomatic U.S. Air Force (USAF) aircrewmen with auscultatory and/or echocardiographic evidence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) were evaluated for tolerance to +Gz stress using the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine human centrifuge. Both rapid (1G/s) and gradual (1G/15s) onset acceleration profiles were used to determine +Gz tolerance. There were no unusual characteristics, among the clinical parameters measured, which allowed separation of individuals with MVP into subgroups with altered +Gz tolerance. The MVP group was found to have a normal response to gradual onset +Gz stress, both while relaxed and when performing a protective straining manuever. A small but statistically significant decrease in tolerance to rapid onset +Gz stress was found. There was no indication that asymptomatic individuals with MVP who have undergone complete aeromedical evaluation have any operationally significant intolerance to +Gz stress.