Screening for Coronary Artery Disease
Present Policy and Future Concepts
by
Wg Cdr Neeraj Bhalla
Cl Spl (Medicine & Cardiology)
CH (AF) Bangalore

ABSTRACT
Coronary artery disease is a major cause of morbidity & mortality amongst the population of our country at large of whom aircrew also forms. The current policy in our country takes a proactive role in aggressively detecting this condition. The screening investigations themselves have certain limitation which should be understood and put in perspective considering the overall natural history & progression of the disease. The gold standard for detecting the presence of Coronary Artery Disease is Coronary Angiography which however does not provide any insight into the functional significance and rates of progression of the disease. These and other issues will be discussed in detail and future policy envisaged in these areas will also be brought out.