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Heart disease is the primary cause of on-duty deaths in firefighters, but little is known about their lipid profile. We evaluated the lipid profile in relation to other cardiovascular disease risk factors in 321 firefighters at a baseline examination. Prospective comparisons were performed for 285 firefighters, who were enrolled in a statewide medical surveillance program, and had complete follow-up data for 4 years. The average cholesterol level in firefighters declined from 224 mg/dL at baseline (1996-1997) to 214 mg/dL at the follow-up examination (P < 0.0001). Conversely, both obesity (body mass index ≥ 30; 34% versus 40%, P = 0.008) and triglycerides (≥ 200 mg/dL; 27% versus 35%, P = 0.047) increased over time. The proportion of firefighters taking lipid-lowering medications increased from 3% at baseline to 12% at follow-up (P < 0.0001). Cholesterol levels declined significantly, and treatment rates for elevated cholesterol increased over time. Despite repeated examinations, a considerable number of firefighters had persistently elevated cholesterol, and only a minority were receiving adequate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that evaluated the association between hypertension and changes in employment status among hazardous materials firefighters in Massachusetts. Measurement of the blood pressure of the firefighters; Examination of the risk of an adverse event before the next follow-up examination based on the blood pressure measurement; Analysis of the prevalence of hypertension among the firefighters; Limitations of the study.