Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2025
A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Age, inflammation, alkaline phosphatase, and coronary artery calcification in firefighters
Mingyue Li1,2, Jiali Han1,3, Carolyn Muegge4,5
1Department of Epidemiology, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Insights
Firefighters face increased Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) risk due to age and inflammation. Alkaline phosphatase is a novel predictor of this cardiovascular disease risk in this occupation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Firefighting exposes individuals to hazards linked to long-term health issues, including cardiovascular disease.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant cause of morbidity in firefighters, but occupational links to Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC), a CAD predictor, are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate occupational risk factors for Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) in firefighters.
- To identify clinical predictors of CAC in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 410 firefighters (aged 35-68) was conducted.
- Health assessments included computed tomography for CAC measurement.
- Multiple logistic regression models analyzed associations between variables and CAC score.
Main Results:
- Age (OR: 1.12) and monocyte percentage (OR: 1.29) showed positive correlations with higher CAC scores, indicating inflammation's role.
- Alkaline phosphatase was identified as an independent predictor of CAC score (OR: 1.02).
Conclusions:
- Key risk factors for increased CAC in firefighters include age, inflammation, and alkaline phosphatase.
- Findings emphasize the need for tailored health monitoring and interventions for firefighters.
- This research provides a basis for future studies on firefighter occupational health and preventive strategies.
Background:
Firefighting involves exposure to hazardous conditions that may contribute to adverse long term health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease. While coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity among firefighters, the specific occupational contributions to Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC), a reliable predictor of CAD, are not well understood.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 410 firefighters, aged 35-68, who underwent comprehensive health assessments, including CAC measurement using computed tomography. Multiple logistic regression models were built to examine the associations of demographic, lifestyle, and clinical variables with CAC score.
Results:
Our analysis revealed statistically significant associations between several clinical indicators and CAC score. Age (odds ratio (OR): 1.12; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): [1.05, 1.19]) and percentage of monocytes (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: [1.06, 1.58]) were positively correlated with higher CAC score, highlighting the role of inflammation in CAD among firefighters. Moreover, the enzyme alkaline phosphatase emerged as an independent predictor of CAC score (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: [1.01, 1.04]), suggesting a novel biomarker of cardiovascular risk in this population.
Conclusion:
Our study identified several risk factors associated with increased CAC score in firefighters, including age, inflammation, and alkaline phosphatase. These findings underscore the importance of tailored health monitoring and interventions to mitigate CAD risk in firefighters, considering both general and occupation-specific risk factors. This study contributes to a better understanding of the occupational health challenges faced by firefighters and provides a foundation for future research and preventive strategies in this high-risk group.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:38Inflammation