Dr Koh Choong Hou

Senior Consultant Cardiologist Nobel Heart Centre (Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital)

Dr Koh graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2003 and is a dual accredited specialist in Cardiology and Aviation Medicine. He sub-specializes in cardiac imaging (echocardiography) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. As a qualified Aviation Medicine practitioner in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in his early career, he contributed to efforts in the aeromedical training, selection and certification of aircrew for flying-related activities. He is also an appointed medical assessor of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s Medical Board and conducts regular medical board assessments for commercial aircrew and civilian air traffic controllers, as well as provide cardiovascular specialist advice to the CAMB for complex cases. In his last held position as Senior Consultant Cardiologist at National Heart Centre Singapore, he was the Director of the SAF Cardiac Fitness Centre, and was involved in the development of clinical protocols for cardiovascular screening and pre-participation assessment for the Singapore Armed Forces servicemen and pre-enlistees

Coronary Artery Disease in Aviators – New Concepts and Insights

The 1% rule had been applied for decades to determine the aeromedical risks for flight, mostly extrapolating from early studies of outcomes from ischaemic heart disease. Since then, there has been an extraordinary progression in the understanding of the pathophysiological processes underpinning acute coronary events, as well as advances in treatment of plaques. Newer data have also emerged incorporating multiparametric calculators to determine risk estimates. This talk aims to update the audience on the recent developments, and discusses the merits of various approaches as we seek to update the 1% rule to modern aviation.