Cardiac health and fitness of Colorado male/female firefighters

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Fitness Science

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death for on-duty firefighters.
• Firefighters face significant occupational health risks contributing to CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and cardiorespiratory fitness levels in Colorado firefighters.
• To investigate the relationship between MetS components and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) in this population.

Main Methods:

• The study assessed 947 male and 76 female Colorado firefighters.
• Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using NCEP/ATP III guidelines (≥3 abnormalities).
• Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by VO2 max using the Bruce protocol; Poisson regression analyzed associations.

Main Results:

• Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was present in 9% of all firefighters (10% males, 5% females).
• 49% of participants had inadequate cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max < 42.0 ml/kg/min).
• Lower VO2 max was significantly associated with more abnormal MetS components (IRR=0.95, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Approximately 10% of Colorado firefighters exhibit MetS, and nearly half demonstrate insufficient cardiorespiratory fitness.
• These findings underscore the need for targeted cardiovascular risk management and fitness enhancement programs for firefighters.
• Improving cardiorespiratory fitness is vital for mitigating CVD risk and ensuring firefighter health and safety.