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.
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.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cardiovascular disease; body mass index; exposure; firefighters; high cholesterol
Authors: Katie R Hirsch; Andrew J Tweedell; Craig R Kleinberg; Gena R Gerstner; T J Barnette; Jacob A Mota; Abbie E Smith-Ryan; Eric D Ryan Journal: J Am Coll Nutr Date: 2018-04-27 Impact factor: 3.169
Authors: Drew E Gonzalez; Matthew J McAllister; Hunter S Waldman; Arny A Ferrando; Jill Joyce; Nicholas D Barringer; J Jay Dawes; Adam J Kieffer; Travis Harvey; Chad M Kerksick; Jeffrey R Stout; Tim N Ziegenfuss; Annette Zapp; Jamie L Tartar; Jeffery L Heileson; Trisha A VanDusseldorp; Douglas S Kalman; Bill I Campbell; Jose Antonio; Richard B Kreider Journal: J Int Soc Sports Nutr Date: 2022-06-23 Impact factor: 4.948