Study Finds Heart Disease An Epidemic for Firefighters

Firehouse.com E-Alert
Wednesday, January 2, 2008

ATLANTA, Ga. — H. Robert Superko , MD, principal investigator in the landmark FEMA-sponsored study of firefighters aged 40 and over conducted at Saint Joseph\’s Hospital in Atlanta , released preliminary findings in the world\’s first study of first responders at risk of suffering sudden death or other significant cardiac events. Firefighters are known to have a three hundred percent increased risk for cardiac disease as compared to other segments of the population.

\”Preliminary findings show that one third of firefighters had heart disease that is unrelated to traditional risk factors, such as high cholesterol,\” says Dr. Superko. \”Those results are astounding and point at job duties and environment as the primary determinants for early death in our country\’s first responders.\”

» Read More