Excerpts from newsroom.heart.org:
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open-access journal, reveals that the majority of firefighters who died from cardiac arrest had clear evidence of coronary artery disease and structural heart abnormalities, such as an enlarged heart and thickened walls of the left ventricle, as confirmed by autopsies.
The research highlights that conditions like coronary artery disease, cardiomegaly, left ventricular hypertrophy, and a history of heart attack were strong and independent risk factors for death due to cardiac arrest among firefighters. These findings emphasize that while firefighters face numerous dangers on the job, the greatest threat often comes from sudden cardiac events in those with pre-existing cardiovascular issues.
Compared to firefighters who died from other causes, those who succumbed to cardiac arrest were more likely to show signs of both atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease. The study analyzed autopsy reports of U.S. male firefighters who died on duty between 1999 and 2014. Out of 627 total deaths, 276 were due to cardiac arrest, while 351 were caused by trauma. The average age at death was between 18 and 65 years old.
Firefighters with a prior heart attack were found to be six times more likely to die from a cardiac event during their duties. This underscores the importance of early detection and management of heart conditions among first responders.
Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. However, heart attacks can lead to cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action, including CPR and calling for help. Approximately one in seven people in the U.S. will die from sudden cardiac arrest, making awareness and prevention crucial.
The study also acknowledges some limitations, such as variability in how heart disease was described in autopsies, the use of a specific weight threshold for identifying an enlarged heart, and the lack of data on additional risk factors like smoking or hypertension.
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, stay physically active, eat better, lose weight, and quit smoking. These steps can significantly improve heart health and reduce the likelihood of sudden cardiac events, especially for high-risk groups like firefighters.
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