Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors in Firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service – A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Over 45% of firefighter deaths are attributable to sudden cardiac death related to coronary artery disease (CAD), with many of these deaths attributed to comorbidities. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors in firefighters in the City of Cape Town (CoCT).Design and Methods: The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive design. A total of 124 full-time firefighters were conveniently recruited between September and November 2019 from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. Results: The most prevalent CAD risk factors among firefighters were hypertension (33.1%), obesity (37.1%), cigarette smoking (39.5%) and dyslipidaemia (40.3%). A total of 41.9% of firefighters were categorized as low-risk, 54.8% as moderate-risk, and 3.2% as high-risk for CAD.Conclusion: The majority of firefighters had at least one CAD risk factor, with older males having the highest prevalence of multiple CAD risk factors. Compared to other regions of the world, the (CoCT) firefighters have higher prevalence of dyslipidaemia and cigarette smoking. Preventative behavioural strategies and education on CAD should be promoted to mitigate the development of CAD.

Relationship Between Physical Activity, Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal Injuries in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service

“…When all participants were separated into age-group categories, the age-group 20-29 years represented 19.4% of the participants in the study, the age-group 30-39 years had the highest number of participants with 44.4%, the age-group 40-49 years had 24.2%, and the age-group 50-65 years had the lowest number with 12.1%. For further information on the CAD risk factor prevalence’s or mean values for each risk factor, please refer to the previously published article (Ras and Leach 25 ).…”

“…In addition, the study reported that former smokers had a significantly higher injury prevalence compared to non-smokers. 1 Cigarette smoking has been linked to reduced tendon health, 40 and with younger firefighters found to have a higher prevalence of cigarette smoking, 25 , 41 - 45 can explain why this age range was at most risk. In contrast, Negm et al 3 reported that older firefighters were significantly more likely to have more severe lower-extremity disability and more severe back disability.…”

“…The research procedures in the current study have been repeated from a previous published article (Ras and Leach 25 ). The principle researcher (Jaron Ras) performed all the physical measures and was responsible for administering the data recording sheet (questionnaire).…”

“…The principle researcher (Jaron Ras) performed all the physical measures and was responsible for administering the data recording sheet (questionnaire). For further information on the testing procedures followed to determine firefighter stature, body mass, blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol, please refer to the article that was previously published (Ras and Leach 25 ). Briefly, Stature was measured using a portable stadiometer, standing barefoot and head placed in the Frankfort plane.…”

Effects of cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal health and physical fitness on occupational performance of firefighters: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…35 40-42 In addition, worsening cardiovascular health, increased cardiovascular risk profiles, deteriorating musculoskeletal health, especially moderate to severe pain and discomfort in the lower limbs, and poor health-related physical fitness, particularly cardiorespiratory fitness, significantly and negatively affects firefighters' occupational performance. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Occupational performance in firefighters Occupational performance is an important public and personal consideration, as substandard occupational fitness significantly increases the likelihood of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal adverse events while on duty. 3 43 44 Reduced occupational task performance is indicative of firefighters who are not fit for active duty and may be at increased risk of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal injuries.…”