Heart Health: A Silent Threat on the Frontlines

10 Tips to Help You Address Your Heart Health Today

Burning buildings. Violent patients. Vehicle crashes. These are the types of dangers your crew faces that usually make headlines. However, there are also health and safety threats that lurk under the surface that can be just as deadly, including heart attacks.

What's a heart attack? 

According to the American Heart Association, a heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. Heart attacks are scary, but it’s important to remember that many people survive them and go on to live productive lives.

That’s why it’s key to know your risks, understand the signs, and act as soon as possible.

What are the risks? 

• Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., says the American Heart Association. 
• According to the data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), sudden cardiac deaths have regularly been cited as the leading cause of death in their annual firefighter fatality study. 
• Research published by the Journal of the American Heart Association found that the risk of firefighters having an irregular heart rhythm, known as atrial fibrillation (AFib), increases with the number of fires they respond to. In addition, they also shared the risk of AFib increases by 14% for every additional 5 fires fought annually. 
  
  

What are the warning signs? 

The American Heart Association says to pay attention to your body, and if you have any of these symptoms, call 911:

• Chest discomfort. Both men and women often feel discomfort in the center of their chest that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Body discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. 
• Shortness of breath.
• Also watch for a cold sweat, upset stomach, rapid or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, or unusual tiredness.
• Women may also experience anxiety, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, or weakness. 

It is important to note that symptoms can vary significantly—some may appear suddenly and intensely while other develop gradually and are milder.

Can heart attacks be prevented? 

According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks are largely preventable, and lifestyle choices are your best defense. Here are tips to help lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other major health problems:

1. Eat heart healthy. Aim for whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and non-topical cooking oils, like olive oil. 
2. Be more active. Try 2.5 hours of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.
3. Quit tobacco. Cigarette smoking remains the primary driver of preventable mortality in the U.S.
4. Limit alcohol. Drinking too much can contribute to many heart-related health risks.
5. Get adequate rest. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
6. Manage weight. Understand your BMI and how calories contribute.
7. Control cholesterol. High levels of non-HDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind) can lead to heart disease.
8. Manage blood sugar. High levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
9. Manage blood pressure. Levels less than 120/90 Hg are optimal.
10. Reduce stress. Stress can lead to other unhealthy habits, like smoking or overeating, and may lead to high blood pressure.

Have you had your annual physical?

Whether hosted at your department or by your primary care provider, be sure to have an annual physical. Firefighters should ensure their physicals are in accordance with NFPA 1582, which helps evaluate your ability to safely perform essential job functions. This type of preventative care is crucial to discovering risks before they lead to larger, more serious health concerns and to promoting your overall long-term wellness.

Remember: Minutes matter! Act quickly.

The time between when a heart attack occurs and when treatment is received impacts the amount of damage to the heart. Heart attacks can occur while you’re in action or simply sitting on the couch. If you suspect that you or someone else may be experiencing a heart attack, always call 911 as soon as possible.

What support is available to firefighters?

The NFPA, IAFC, First Responder Center for Excellence, and other industry groups provide a wide variety of specialized resources to help you improve the wellness of your team. There are also protective measures that your emergency service organization (ESO) can implement to help support your members should they experience a heart attack, like Accident & Sickness (A&S) insurance coverage.

What's Accident & Sickness (A&S)?

The risks your team faces can have significant and devastating outcomes. While some ESOs believe that Workers’ Comp will adequately protect their members during these times, many learn the hard way this isn’t always the case.

VFIS Accident & Sickness (A&S) is designed to be there for first responders and their families by providing financial benefits for members who are injured or experience an illness while performing the normal duties of their organization. There’s also an additional proactive program available to A&S clients, Member Family Assistance Program (MFAP), which includes confidential counseling services and lifestyle coaching offered through trained professionals who are experienced in counseling emergency service personnel. Ask your local insurance agent or broker about VFIS A&S to learn more.

Thank you for all that you do—and stay safe out there!