Which statement about the risk of heart attack during firefighting work is correct?

Which statement about the risk of heart attack during firefighting work is correct?

• A. The risk decreases with age
• B. Age has no effect on risk
• C. The risk is highest in youth
• D. The risk increases with age

Answer: (D)

When firefighting work demands peak cardiovascular effort—heavy physical work in gear, heat stress, and rapid heart-rate increases—age becomes a key factor because the likelihood of underlying heart disease and reduced cardiovascular reserve rises as people get older. Arteries can stiffen and plaques become more common, making the heart work harder to meet sudden demands. Even with good fitness, these age-related changes mean the risk of a heart attack during intense firefighting activity tends to increase with age. The other statements don’t fit because age does affect risk, and it’s not higher in youth nor does it diminish as people get older.

When firefighting work demands peak cardiovascular effort—heavy physical work in gear, heat stress, and rapid heart-rate increases—age becomes a key factor because the likelihood of underlying heart disease and reduced cardiovascular reserve rises as people get older. Arteries can stiffen and plaques become more common, making the heart work harder to meet sudden demands. Even with good fitness, these age-related changes mean the risk of a heart attack during intense firefighting activity tends to increase with age. The other statements don’t fit because age does affect risk, and it’s not higher in youth nor does it diminish as people get older.