Sudden cardiac death associated with physical exertion in the US military, 2005-2010.

Background: Sudden cardiac death associated with physical exertion (SCD/E) is a complicated pathophysiological event. This study aims to calculate the incidence rate of SCD/E in the US military population from 2005 to 2010, to characterise the demographic and cardiovascular risk profiles of decedents, and to evaluate aetiologies of and circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Methods: Perimortem and other relevant data were collected from the Armed Forces Medical Examiners Tracking System, Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application, and Defense Medical Epidemiology Database for decedents meeting SCD/E case definition.

U.S. Armed Forces air crew: incident illness and injury diagnosis during the 12 months prior to retirement, 2003-2012.

U.S. Armed Services retirees are eligible for disability compensation for medical illness/injury incurred during their service.

Quantification of the 5-year incidence of thromboembolic events in U.S. Air Force Academy cadets in comparison to the U.S. Naval and Military Academies.

The medical literature is replete with case reports of thromboembolic events related to high altitude exposure. Studies have shown an increased risk of thromboembolic events at high and very high altitudes. Most of these case reports and studies have been documented at altitudes between 3,000 m and 8,000 m (9,843-26,247 ft).