High Blood Pressure and Firefighters: What You Need to Know

A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension in 2009 found that an estimated 75 percent of first responders have prehypertension or hypertension, a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

In 2012, it was reported that only 50 percent of firefighters who have high blood pressure realize that they are living with the disorder and all the risks that go with it, including chronic heart problems and/or a fatal cardiovascular event. It is clear that our focus in 2017 must not only be on connecting firefighters who need help with treatment, but also on increased screenings to make sure that those who have high blood pressure get the information they need to be proactive.

Repeated Acute Stress Exposure

Loud noises, adrenaline that spikes during a crisis, obesity, and more contribute to the development of hypertension. The “fight-or-flight” response can take a toll on the heart both in the moment and long afterward. In fact, even when firefighters who know they have hypertension get treatment and take medication to help them manage the disorder, it is still recommended that they get their blood pressure checked regularly.

Know Your Risk

High blood pressure is defined as 140/90. There may be no other symptoms than the numbers on the reading during the rehab process after a fire or at your doctor’s office. If you have it, you need to take care of it – starting now.

Be Proactive

Though it is the nature of the job to be exposed to loud noises and the adrenaline response that can contribute to high blood pressure, obesity is not a requirement for fire service. In fact, it significantly inhibits your ability to do your job, and it is one of the first things you can address on your own.

Even if you begin to manage your diet and start working out regularly with an eye toward getting obesity and high blood pressure under control, you need more than a running buddy and the high blood pressure machine at the drug store to help you manage the issue. See your family physician immediately and learn more about the different types of intervention that are appropriate for you.

In some cases, medication can be helpful. If you go this route, make sure you take them regularly but do not become heavily dependent on them. Work with your doctor to find solutions to the problem that are holistic in nature. Some choices that can help to lower your blood pressure include:

• Get good sleep. A recent study found that 24-hour shifts can negatively impact heart function – obviously, an unavoidable issue for firefighters. But you can work to ensure that you get good sleep when you are at home. That is, get enough sleep that is restful and uninterrupted.
• Improve your diet. This means cutting out extra sugar, all trans fats, and fried foods, and replacing them with fresh produce, lean protein, and whole grains.
• Meditate. It may sound like something outside of your wheelhouse, but it can help to reduce your stress and lower your blood pressure.
• Exercise. Gentle yogic stretches, a walk every day, or a swim a few times a week – it does not have to be vigorous exercise for hours at a time to have a positive impact on your blood pressure.

When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked?