Study on hypertension in U.S. firefighters points to need for increased screening

July 27, 2021, United States —  Recent research examined the prevalence of hypertension in male and female firefighters in America, with the results suggesting a need for better screening and management of high blood pressure.

The study, “Hypertension in the United States Fire Service” was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, and looked at the medical records of 5063 male firefighters and 274 females spanning four diverse geographies.

The sample results were compared to the general population in America based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. From the sample, 69 per cent of firefighters met criteria for hypertension and 17 per cent were on antihypertensive medications. When compared to the general population, male firefighters had a higher prevalence of hypertension across all age groups (11–16 per cent higher).

The study’s abstracts concludes: “In order to improve firefighter health and protect against sudden incapacitation in this public safety occupational group, increased efforts are necessary to screen for and manage high blood pressure.”

Download the full text of the study.