Heart attack is the leading cause of death among firefighters, contributing to near 50% of firefighter fatalities some years.

The risk factors for heart attack are the same as those for heart disease: hypertension, poor blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity, low fitness, and high blood glucose.

As many of you know, there are also genetics to consider. Often I get asked, “Does it really just come down to genetics?” It’s a good question and I answer it in 2 minutes below.

In the comments, tell me: does this surprise you? And what heart attack risk factor(s) of your own have you or do you need to tackle?

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