How can severe cardiac disease affect a pilot's ability to fly?

Severe cardiac disease can significantly impact a pilot's ability to fly due to the potential for compromised cardiovascular function. When the heart is not able to effectively pump blood, it may result in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, or even sudden cardiac events. These manifestations can impair a pilot's cognitive and physical capabilities, significantly affecting their decision-making skills, reaction time, and overall performance during flight.

Maintaining an optimal state of health is crucial for pilots, as the aviation environment can place additional stress on the body. The high demands of flying, combined with the effects of a severe cardiovascular condition, can create a situation where a pilot is not medically fit to operate an aircraft safely. Thus, ensuring pilots are free from severe cardiac conditions is a critical aspect of aviation medicine, thereby supporting the conclusion that severe cardiac disease can lead to medical unfitness to fly.