Structural Heart Abnormalities Are Prevalent on the 12-Lead Electrocardiogram Among Firefighters

Objective: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death among on-duty firefighters in the US. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pathoanatomical substrates related to SCD in a cohort of firefighters over 9 years using 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG). Method: Twelve-lead ECGs were collected from 2011–2019 as part of a health program. Measurements (eg, QRS duration) and interpretation statements (eg, left ventricular hypertrophy) were obtained using automated software (MUSE, GE Healthcare). Descriptive, comparative, and longitudinal analyses were performed (P < 0.05). Results: A total of 1041 firefighters (mean age = 47.1 ± 13.6) were screened, recording 3142 ECGs. Among the ECGs (n = 465) used for this analysis, 42.6% (n = 198) had conduction abnormalities and 14.2% (n = 66) with coronary disease indicators. There were no time-dependent changes. Conclusions: Routine 12-lead ECGs among firefighters may help detect structural heart defects that may increase the risk of SCD.