Experts look to healthy habits for first responders to fight cardiovascular problems [Video]

By Gina Matsoukas | Wealth of GeeksAssociated Press

According to the American Heart Association, firefighters and police officers have about a 30 to 70 times higher risk of sudden cardiac death during stressful situations than the average American. This is the leading cause of on-duty deaths for firefighters — and the more fires they fight, the higher their risk becomes.

Besides the stress first responders deal with every day, it’s often difficult for them to eat a healthy diet while on duty, which contributes to their cardiovascular issues. Many first responders also have erratic on-duty sleep schedules, compounding the problem.

Unhealthy Habits

Firefighting is a physically demanding job. Firefighters run up stairs carrying hoses with SCBA tanks strapped to their backs. They have to maintain a certain level of fitness. Still, the stressors of the profession, as well as breathing smoke and chemicals, take a toll on their bodies.

Police officers are also subject to the dangers of their profession and have similar …