Blood pressure surge with alarm is reduced after exercise and diet intervention in firefighters.

Background: Cardiac-related incidents are a public health concern for tactical occupations, and cardiovascular disease rates are higher in these populations compared with civilians. Research is needed to examine blood pressure (BP) responses in firefighters. The pager alert is one occupational hazard, and it is unknown if lifestyle change can reduce the systolic surge response.

Blood pressure responses are dependent on call type and related to hypertension status in firefighters.

Background: Impaired cardiovascular health is a concern for firefighters, with over 50% of line-of-duty deaths having cardiac causes. Many firefighters have hypertension and <25% have their blood pressure (BP) controlled. The alarm response could be an unidentified cardiac risk, but interestingly, the BP response to different calls and on-the-job activity is unknown.

Civilians Have Higher Adherence and More Improvements in Health With a Mediterranean Diet and Circuit Training Program Compared With Firefighters.

Objective: To examine the relationship between diet adherence and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-reduction between civilians and firefighters with a 6-week Mediterranean diet and tactical training intervention.

Methods: Forty firefighters and 30 civilians participated. Blood pressure, body composition, lipid levels, vascular measures, and aerobic capacity were measured pre- and post-intervention.