Lifestyle and safety practices of firefighters and their relation to cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the United States, over 50% of the deaths of on-duty firefighters are classified as sudden cardiac deaths. A holistic view of the multiple risk factors and their relation to the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is necessary to determine a baseline for prevention. METHODS: This study surveyed 154 firefighters in a large Midwestern county about their individual exposure to particulates, noise, heat stress, skin contamination, and physical stress; lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption; health status; and demographic factors. RESULTS: Consumption of whole grains and alcohol were associated with a reduction of the risk of heart disease, while higher Body Mass Index (BMI) scores and increasing age were associated with increased risk of heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Although firefighters are exposed to substantial occupational risks, only lifestyle factors were found to significantly predict CVD and related health issues. BMI is a modifiable risk factor, which, if controlled, could appreciably improve health outcomes.

Eating Habits of Professional Firefighters

“…1 These factors lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the primary cause of on-duty death among firefighters, 2 representing 39% to 50% of on-duty fatalities in US firefighters. [2][3][4] In addition, CVD represents a major cause of morbidity and disability with an estimated 17-25 nonfatal on-duty CVD for every fatal event in this population. 5 On top of classic cardiovascular disease risk factors such as age, smoking, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or preestablished coronary heart disease, firefighters face specific chronic stressors and acute cardiovascular (CV) strains.…”

“…Another study based on focus groups identified 5 main determinants of obesity among firefighters: 1) fire station eating culture, 2) night calls and sleep interruption, 3) supervisor leadership and physical fitness, 4) sedentary work, and 5) age and generational influences. 10 As lifestyle factors are important modifiable predictors of sudden cardiac deaths in firefighters 4 or work ability, 12 a limited number of health promotion interventions have been developed and evaluated among firefighters. The largest intervention implemented is the "Promoting Healthy Lifestyle: Alternative Models'…”

The Influence of Habitual Protein Intake on Body Composition and Muscular Strength in Career Firefighters

“…Despite the extreme physical demands of firefighting, upwards of 80% of firefighters are considered overweight and obese [3], many of whom also express risk factors for cardiovascular disease [22, 23], and do not meet minimum fitness standards [22, 23]. High protein intake has previously been shown to be beneficial for improving body composition and strength [12, 24], yet to date, there has been a lack of quantitative evaluation of protein intake in firefighters.…”

Improving Cardiovascular Risk Profiles in Firefighters

“…Many describe food options as limited, expensive, or unhealthy [8]. Some are uneducated about what constitutes a heart healthy diet and others do not recognize themselves as overweight or obese [2]. Ratchford et al [6] found that in firefighters aged 40-58; 86% were overweight or obese, with 46% having an increased waist circumference.…”

“…Many in the public do not realize that of these 70% are volunteer and have other jobs [2,3]. The leading causes of death among firefighters are cardiovascular events, cancer, and motor vehicle accidents [2,4], while sudden cardiac events account for 50% of volunteer and 39% of on duty deaths [2]. Most of the deaths occur during fire suppression [5].…”