A study by the University of Kansas found that firefighters are more likely to have prematurely narrowed arteries, which increases their risk for strokes and heart attacks. The data shows that 22 percent of a group of 77 firefighters studied by researchers at the University of Kansas averaged 39 years old but had the blood vessels of 52-year-olds because of significant plaque buildup in their carotid arteries.
The researchers said the reasons could include stress, exposure to smoke, diet, and their sleep patterns.
Cardiovascular disease has been associated with 45 percent of the on-duty deaths of firefighters in the United States, compared with 36 percent for other lines of work. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has reported that sudden cardiac deaths are the leading cause of death in the line of duty for firefighters.
More information is HERE.
While this study showed similar findings of other credible research relating to increased risks of firefighter heart disease, this study is flawed to the core (unless it was a undergraduate project).A very narrow study group that only consisted of 77 subjects could not be intended to represent the nearly 1 million paid and volunteer firefighters in our country. In addition, a significant control group was not mentioned to be able to compare and contrast the findings, and compare it with other research.Empirical evidence has long shown that firefighters are more at risk for several ailments deemed to be occupational exposures (heart, lung, rare cancers).The findings of this research group are positive though…. folks are listening, researching, and learning…. and LEADING.