Excerpts from newsroom.heart.org:
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open-access journal, has shed light on the causes behind cardiac arrest deaths among firefighters. The research reveals that a significant number of firefighters who died from cardiac arrest had underlying heart conditions that were confirmed through autopsies.
Among the most common findings were coronary artery disease—characterized by narrowed arteries—and structural heart abnormalities such as an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) and thickened walls of the left ventricle, which is responsible for pumping blood to the body. These conditions were strongly linked to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
Firefighters are exposed to numerous hazards in their line of duty, but the study highlights that the greatest threat comes from cardiac events in those with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases. In fact, more firefighter deaths are attributed to cardiac arrest than any other cause.
The researchers analyzed autopsy reports of 627 U.S. male firefighters who died on duty between 1999 and 2014. Out of these, 276 died from cardiac arrest, while 351 died from trauma. The average age at death was between 18 and 65 years old.
Interestingly, firefighters who had a history of heart attacks were six times more likely to die during duty-related incidents. Additionally, factors like arterial narrowing, an enlarged heart, and prior heart attack were all independent predictors of death from cardiac arrest.
It's important to note that sudden cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. While a heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, gasping for air, or no breathing at all. Immediate intervention, including CPR and emergency services, is crucial.
Despite the valuable insights provided by this study, there are some limitations. For example, variations in how autopsies described heart disease, the use of a fixed weight threshold for determining an enlarged heart, and the lack of data on factors like smoking and high blood pressure could have influenced the results.
To reduce the risk of heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends following its "Life’s Simple 7" guidelines: manage blood pressure, control cholesterol, reduce blood sugar, be physically active, eat better, lose weight, and stop smoking. These lifestyle changes can significantly improve heart health and lower the risk of cardiac events.
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