Why aren't firefighters FIREFROOF?

Fire-fighters and acute myocardial infarction: understanding the mechanisms and reducing cardiovascular risk

Firefighters are at an increased risk of having a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack. It is the commonest cause of death in these individuals, accounting for 45 per cent of deaths on duty. The reasons why remain unknown, but could be a combination of physical and mental strain, heat, and being exposed to pollutants. It is possible that high temperatures and pollutants could lead to the development of a blood clot in artery, starving the heart of oxygen and triggering a heart attack. This team from the University of Edinburgh BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences is conducting a study, called FIREPROOF, which is investigating 20 healthy Scottish firefighters during controlled fire-fighting exercises, other emergency responses and during routine training. Their blood pressure, heart rate, heart rhythm, and oxygen status of the heart will be measured before, during and for 24 hours after each activity. The findings should identify the triggers for a heart attack in firefighters and ways to prevent them.