Funding Source: Subcontract, FEMA #EMW-2011-FP-006630

PI: Stefanos N. Kales, MD (Harvard University); Co-I: Steven M. Moffatt, MD

Project Aims: determine the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (thickening of the heart wall) and cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) among firefighters; quantify major risk factors for LVH and cardiomegaly; and develop and validate prediction models and screening algorithms

Project Description:

Investigators assessed LVH and cardiomegaly among n=400 career firefighters using an echocardiogram and cardiac MRI imaging. Medical records from occupational physical exams and questionnaire data were used to assess cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, autopsy reports from firefighter on-duty fatality records (non-cardiac) were reviewed for evidence of LVH and cardiomegaly.

Summary of Results: 

Results from cardiac imaging among living firefighters and autopsy reports among fallen firefighters indicate that body mass index (BMI) drives left ventricular mass and wall thickness as well as heart weight. Health promotion programs to reduce obesity can help improve firefighter cardiovascular disease risk.

Related Publications:

	Korre M, Smith D, Moffatt S, Kales SN. White Paper: “Cardiac Enlargement in US Firefighters.” National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, 2017.
	Korre M, Porto LGG, Farioli A, Yang J, Christiani DC, Christophi CA, Lombardi DA, Kovacs RJ, Mastouri R, Abbasi S, Steigner M, Moffatt S, Smith DL, Kales SN. Effect of Body Mass Index on Left Ventricular Mass in Career Male Firefighters. American Journal of Cardiology. 2016; 118:1769-1773. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2016.08.058
	Korre M, Sampani K, Porto LGG, Farioli A, Yang J, Christiani DC, Christophi CA, Lombardi DA, Kovacs RJ, Mastouri R, Abbasi S, Steigner M, Moffatt S, Smith DL, Kales SN. Cardiac Enlargement in US Firefighters: Prevalence estimates by Echocardiography, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Autopsies. J Clin Exp Cardiolog. 2016;7:459, doi: 10.4172/2155-9880.1000459

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