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Story summary
- Researchers reported that heart-related on-duty deaths have risen steadily over three decades among U.S. firefighters.
- U.S. firefighters account for nearly half of on-duty deaths from cardiac arrest or heart attack.
- Enlarged heart mass appeared in 79% of cardiac firefighter deaths.
- Dr. Susan Cheng suggested adding screening for excess heart muscle mass to firefighter health guidelines.
- Odds of heart-related firefighter deaths rose >2% yearly, while public odds fell >1% annually.