Ras J, Soteriades ES, Smith DL, Kengne AP, Leach L. Association between Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Health in Firefighters.
J Occup Environ Med 2023;
65:e496-e505. [PMID:
37130821 PMCID:
PMC10332654 DOI:
10.1097/jom.0000000000002872]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to determine the association between cardiovascular health (CVH) and musculoskeletal health in firefighters.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study involved 309 full-time firefighters aged 20 to 65 years. Cardiovascular health encompassed cardiovascular disease risk factors, risk scores, CVH metrics, and heart rate variability. Musculoskeletal health was assessed using two validated questionnaires.
RESULTS
Increasing age ( P = 0.004), body mass index ( P < 0.001), body fat percentage ( P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure ( P = 0.003), total cholesterol ( P = 0.006), and Framingham risk score ( P = 0.011) increased the risk of reporting musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). Obesity ( P = 0.018), hypertension ( P = 0.034), and dyslipidemia ( P = 0.005) increased the risk of reporting MSIs. Musculoskeletal discomfort was associated with total cholesterol ( P = 0.0.34) and low-density lipoprotein ( P = 0.014).
CONCLUSIONS
Adverse cardiovascular disease risk profile was associated with MSIs and musculoskeletal discomfort in firefighters. Firefighters should maintain an ideal CVH profile, especially as they age.
Collapse