Biochemical and nutritional indices as cardiovascular risk factors among Iranian firefighters

Limited cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk data are available for firefighters worldwide. This comparative study was aimed at investigating the biochemical and nutritional indices of firefighters in Iran.

Individuals' anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences, were measured and the percent of body fat (BF%) was also obtained. Blood sampling was done in order to determine lipid profile, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) concentrations. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) were also measured.

The mean ages of firefighters and administrative staff were 42.45 +/- 6.75 and 44.64 +/- 5.83 y, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 45% and 24% in firefighters and 54% and 23% in administrative staff, respectively. High waist-to-hip and waist-to-stature ratios were detected in 26.4% and 81.3% of firefighters versus 33.3% and 89.7% of the control group, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the mean of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C and FBS concentrations. The mean of Lp(a) was significantly higher among firefighters (P<0.05). About half of the subjects in both groups had TC >5.17, TG >1.69, HDL-C <1.03 nmol/L and Lp(a) >25 mg/dL. There were no significant differences between the SBP and DBP of subjects. There was no significant difference in smoking habits between the two groups.

Considering the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, high TC, TG and Lp(a) and low HDL-C concentrations among all firefighters, it seems necessary to provide fitness-promotion and nutritional education programs for the prevention of obesity-related chronic diseases such as CVD.