Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Published on: September 27, 2024
Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a population of French firefighters
Angélique Savall1,2, Rodolphe Charles1,3, Béatrice Trombert2,4
1Department of Education and Research in General Practice, Saint-Etienne Jean Monnet University, Saint Priest en Jarez, France.
Insights
Firefighters face increased risks of sudden cardiac events. This study found overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking as key cardiovascular risks among Loire firefighters, with obesity most prevalent in high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Firefighter occupations are associated with increased risks of sudden cardiac events.
- Understanding cardiovascular risk factors in this population is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe cardiovascular risk factors in Loire firefighters.
- To analyze these factors based on individual cardiovascular risk levels and professional status (career vs. volunteer).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective population study of all firefighters in the Loire department.
- Analysis of data from occupational health follow-up medical examinations.
- Assessment of cardiovascular risk and associated factors in 417 firefighters.
Main Results:
- The most common cardiovascular risk factors identified were overweight/obesity (62.1%), high blood pressure (27.8%), and active smoking (16.1%).
- No significant differences in risk factors were observed between career firefighters and volunteers.
- Prevalence of these risk factors was lower compared to the general population.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor among Loire firefighters, particularly those with a high cardiovascular risk.
- Targeted interventions addressing obesity are essential for mitigating cardiovascular risks in this occupational group.
Abstract:
Firefighters' activities increase the risk of sudden cardiac events. The main objective of this study was to describe the Loire firefighters' cardiovascular risk factors according to their cardiovascular risk and to their professional status. A retrospective study of the entire population of firefighters of the Loire department was conducted. Risk factors derived from the data collected during the occupational health follow-up medical examinations were described and the cardiovascular risk was assessed for 417 firefighters. The most frequent cardiovascular risk factors were: overweight and obesity (62.1%), high blood pressure (27.8%) and active smoking (16,1%). There were no significant differences between career firefighters and volunteers. The prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is less than in the general population. Obesity remains the most common risk factor, especially among firefighters with high cardiovascular risk.
More Related Videos
07:51Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: September 26, 2018
10:11Fundus Photography as a Convenient Tool to Study Microvascular Responses to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Epidemiological Studies
Published on: October 22, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Relative Risk
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Hazard Ratio
For example, in a clinical trial...