A Cross-Sectional Examination of 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among US Firefighters by Age and Weight Status.

OBJECTIVE

Examine atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores by age and weight status in career firefighters.

METHODS

Medical examinations for firefighters more than or equal to 40 years (n = 644) were examined. ASCVD 10-year risk scores were calculated from sex- and race-specific equations and were reported by three age (40 to 44.9, 45 to 49.9, more than or equal to 50 years) and weight (normal, overweight, obese) categories.

RESULTS

Mean risk scores were 1.8%, 3.5%, and 6.2% for firefighters 40 to 44.9, 45 to 49.9, and more than or equal to 50 years, respectively. The association of weight status with increased ASCVD risk was higher (P < 0.01) among older firefighters, where risk was 0.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6 to 1.1) and 2.3% (95% CI: 2.0 to 2.6) among normal versus obese 40 to 44.9 year olds, and 4.1% (95% CI: 3.1 to 5.3) and 7.8% (95% CI: 6.7 to 8.9) among normal versus obese more than or equal to 50 year olds.

CONCLUSIONS

While firefighters cannot avoid aging, physicians should counsel firefighters with weight-maintenance or weight-loss advice to prevent and manage elevated ASCVD risk.