Structural Heart Abnormalities Are Prevalent on the 12-Lead Electrocardiogram Among Firefighters.
Alexander W Bae1, Chi-Ju Lai, Yichen Yu
1From the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York (A.W.B.); Goergen Institute for Data Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York (C.-J.L.); Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York (N.K., W.M.B.); Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (D.H.); Fire Research Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland (W.C.T.); School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York (M.G.C., D.J.D.); Department of Computer Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York (Y.Y.); and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York (D.J.D.).
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of death for firefighters. Routine 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) can identify asymptomatic heart defects, potentially reducing SCD risk in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Occupational Health
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the primary cause of on-duty fatalities among U.S. firefighters.
- Identifying risk factors and early indicators of SCD is crucial for firefighter safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pathoanatomical substrates linked to SCD in firefighters.
- To assess the utility of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) screening for detecting these substrates.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1,041 firefighters underwent 12-lead ECG screening between 2011 and 2019.
- Automated software analyzed ECGs for measurements like QRS duration and interpretation statements such as left ventricular hypertrophy.
- Descriptive, comparative, and longitudinal analyses were conducted.
Main Results:
- Out of 465 analyzed ECGs, 42.6% showed conduction abnormalities and 14.2% indicated coronary disease.
- No significant time-dependent changes in ECG findings were observed over the 9-year period.
- The mean age of firefighters screened was 47.1 ± 13.6 years.
Conclusions:
- Routine 12-lead ECG screening can detect asymptomatic structural heart defects in firefighters.
- Early detection of these defects may mitigate the risk of sudden cardiac death.
- ECG screening represents a valuable tool for preventive cardiology in this high-risk occupation.
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