Injuries of the Heart: The Effects of Stress on the Heart

“Stress is one of the most serious occupational hazards in the fire service” U.S. Fire Administration

It is no surprise that the fire service is stressful, saving lives and working under extreme conditions can take a toll on one’s body.  Of particular interest is the affect stress has on the heart, our most vital organ.  The leading injuries to the heart are classified as cardiac chest pains, followed by strokes and heart attacks. 

Heart related injuries range from minor to fatal.  Heart related injuries occur most frequently during station duties in the areas of  skills training and physical fitness, followed by injuries during fire suppression. Another contributing factor to heart injuries is environmental conditions; extreme heat conditions can cause dehydration, exhaustion, and stress to the heart.  

How does stress affect the heart? 

               

Stress results in a heightened state of physical arousal and awareness.  This heightened state increases heart rate and blood pressure causing the coronary muscle arteries to dilate.  Stress increases muscle tension, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and ultimately, blood clotting capability. 

The Comprehensive Wellness for Firefighters Guide states, “prolonged or unresolved stress can damage your health and body organs… as a result of this stress, emergency responders may have higher rates of heart disease”.  The CWF Guide explains that excess production of hormones like epinephrine (a synthetic form of adrenaline that constricts blood vessels) can lead to higher blood pressure, eccentric heartbeat, atherosclerosis (arterial disease obstructing blood flow), heart attacks, and strokes. 

What activities cause firefighters stress? 

•                 Physical Fitness

•                 Fire Suppression

•                 Extra Weight (on body and from gear)

•                 Environmental factors

•                 Exposure to human trauma

•                 Repeated emergency conditions

•                 Being responsible for the safety of others

Trends on heart related injuries:

To explore this topic further please visit the Emerson Library for books, magazines, and audio visual materials.

Library Resources:

STROKE AND TIA 
AV10-2429  Date Acquired: 8/16/2010  Length: 30:00  Format: DVD  Author: PULSA via FETN
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States after diseases of the heart and all forms of cancer. Your assessment skills, your ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke, and the appropriate transport decision can mean the difference between life and death. This course reviews the anatomy and pathophysiology of stroke, defines proper assessment and management, and identifies the elements needed for a successful stroke care system. (rel. 9/09, c2009)

FIREFIGHTER CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS 
AV92-0233  Date Acquired: 1/1/2001  Length: 14:39  Format: VHS  Author: NATIONAL AUDIOVISUAL CEN
Discusses fire fighter critical incident stress and what fire service managers should undertake to manage and control this problem.

FIREFIGHTER`S GUIDE TO MANAGING STRESS 
AV04-1631  Date Acquired: 3/2/2004  Length:   Format: AC  Author: WAYNE D. FORD
This program is written specifically for firefighters to help them learn to manage stress. It contains reproducible charts, exercises, relaxation techniques and an action planning guide. The audiotape is of stress management exercises.

TEAM HEALTH AND SAFETY 
AV11-2528  Date Acquired: 8/2/2011  Length: 27:15  Format: DVD  Author: ACTION TRAINING
This is Part 6 in the Fire Officer I Series. Every day, firefighters risk their lives to save people from fires, serious accidents and other perils. But in the heat of the moment, their own safety is often the last thing on their minds, and they fail to recognize the dangers in routine habits and daily life at the fire station. “Watching their backs” is the fire officer’s most important responsibility. Learning objectives in the video include: Using statistics as a tool to prevent potential injury and death; implementing fitness and wellness programs to ensure firefighters are fit; developing awareness for physical and mental stress and how to intervene; guidelines for increasing emergency vehicle safety; and how to enforce a “no-excuses” safety culture. (c2006) View a sample video clip online here: http://www.action-training.com/Uploads/Video%20Samples/Fire%20Officer/RFO106ILM.wmv