Hidden risk that puts firefighters in greater danger of a heart attack
FIGHTING fires can dramatically raise the risk of heart attack, a study shows.
Firefighters have the highest cardiac risk of all emergency services workers, with heart attacks the leading cause of death among on-duty staff.
Tackling blazes puts strain on the heart, increases blood clotting and worsens blood vessel function, it was found.
The blood thickens and becomes stickier when physical exertion takes place in heat. This increases blood clotting by two-thirds – a major contributor to heart attacks, the survey funded by the British Heart Foundation showed.
The researchers at Edinburgh University also found exposure to fire causes minor injury to the heart muscle. They believe the increase in clotting is caused by fluid loss in sweat and an inflammatory response to fire.
Experts hope the study may explain why cardiovascular events such as heart attacks are the leading cause of death among on-duty firefighters.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is being urged to limit the time each of its firefighters spends tackling a blaze in light of the new findings.
Academics say their findings relate only to the very high temperatures faced by firefighters but say the study could explain why the rate of heart attacks increases among the general population during heatwaves.
Professor Nick Mills, who led the Edinburgh research, published in the journal Circulation, said: ‘Our study has shown a direct link between the heat and physical activity levels encountered by firefighters during their duties and their risk of suffering a heart attack.
‘However, we have also found that there are simple measures, such as staying well hydrated, that firefighters can take to reduce this risk.’
SFRS spokesman Lewis Ramsay said: ‘SFRS has robust procedures, training and equipment to ensure firefighters exposed to heat take regular breaks, cool down and keep well hydrated.
‘But we are always looking at ways to further improve firefighter safety and will study the BHF findings closely.’